Rolex - STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them New York Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1947
    Reference No: 4768
    Case No: 584'515
    Model Name: Dato Compax
    Material: Stainless steel and pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72C, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.
    Accessories: With Rolex presentation box
    Literature: For other examples of the reference 4768 see I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 366-371.

  • Catalogue Essay

    While Rolex is most often recognized for their tool watches like the Submariner, GMT-Master and Explorer models, their mid-20th century production included elegant and innovative gentlemens’ timepieces that today are highly desirable and sought after for their rarity and charm. The reference 4768 was the brand’s first antimagnetic triple calendar chronograph wristwatch, and while officially known as the “Dato Compax” its Oyster-cased counterpart became associated with the famed French Olympic skier and Rolex Board of Directors member Jean-Claude Killy. In total, five Dato Compax models were manufactured with the reference 4768 being the only one made with a non-Oyster case. Released in 1947, research indicates only 220 examples of the reference were produced, and were available in stainless steel, yellow and pink gold, as well as two tone models like the present watch in stainless steel with either a yellow or pink gold bezel.

    Fresh-to-the-market from the family of the original owner, this reference 4768 is in excellent condition with both the case and dial in original and untouched condition. The lovely two-tone dial with pink and silvered date chapter ring is completely original and well preserved, having been spared needless cleaning, with the case remaining unpolished. While the watch was lovingly worn and has age consistent with a timepiece that is now 70 years old, it is a treasure to find an such a clean and original example, and it is further enhanced with a Valjoux 72C-based movement, one of the most reliable known. Today’s savvy collectors are always looking for rare watches that not only add historical value to their collection, but also pieces that make a statement, and the reference 4768 is a mid-century watch that demonstrates the design strengths of the Rolex brand.

  • 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.

    View More Works

Σ56

Ref. 4768
A very rare and highly attractive stainless steel and pink gold chronograph wristwatch with triple calendar and tachymeter scale

1947
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.

Estimate
$20,000 - 40,000 
CHF19,900-39,900
€17,400-34,700
HK$157,000-314,000

Sold for $50,000

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them

New York Auction 5 December 2018