Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT Hong Kong Monday, May 27, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 2013
    Reference No: 116660
    Case No: G861’348, No. 38/50
    Model Name: Sea Dweller, Deepsea
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 44mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: With Rolex guarantee card dated 5th December 2013, instruction manual, hangtags, green wallet, bezel protector, copy of a handwritten letter from Graham Turnbull to buyer, copies of Graham Turnbull’s certificates and qualifications from “The British Royal Navy”, photographs of Graham Turnbull during a dive task, fitted presentation box and outer packaging

  • Catalogue Essay

    Since the 1960s the Sea-Dweller has been a favourite within the collection community and with time new technologies evolved allowing for an increased dive rating. In 2008, Rolex offered the public the Deepsea Sea-Dweller, which took the diving rating to an astonishing 12,800 feet (3900M). The new watch featured a 5-mm thick sapphire crystal with titanium alloy case back to ensure more rigidity, as well as the patented “Ring Lock System” that reduced stress on the case.

    In 2013, Rolex produced a limited edition Deepsea Sea Dweller to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Royal Navy Clearance Branch. These professional divers specialize in using explosives to remove underwater obstructions, initially formed during World War II, they keep ports and harbours cleared as well as removed explosive traps laid by the Germans. The model was made in 50 timepieces and the case back engraved with the Royal Navy Clearance Branch Diver’s crest. The present example, numbered 38 is in unused condition and is complete with the guarantee and presentation box.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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1079

Ref. 116660
An extremely rare and fine stainless steel limited edition diver’s wristwatch made for the “Royal Navy Clearance Branch” with helium escape valve, date, bracelet and ring lock system, with guarantee card and fitted presentation box, numbered 38 of a limited edition of 50 pieces.

2013
44mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
HK$240,000 - 400,000 
€27,100-45,100
$30,800-51,300

Sold for HK$437,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
thomasperazzi@phillips.com
+852 2318 2001

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT

Hong Kong Auction 28 May 2019