1013

Rolex

Ref. 4611

King Midas

An extremely attractive and rare yellow gold and diamond-set rectangular-shaped wristwatch with tiger’s eye dial and integrated bracelet

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 230,000
€13,400 - 25,700
$15,400 - 29,500
HK$165,100
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Rolex
Year
Circa 1976
Reference No
4611
Case No
4’251’608, last three digits engraved inside caseback, No. 3712
Model Name
King Midas
Material
18K yellow gold
Calibre
Manual, cal. 650, 18 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
18K yellow gold Rolex bracelet, stamped “608”, max length 175mm
Clasp/Buckle
18K yellow gold Rolex concealed deployant clasp
Dimensions
24mm width
Signed
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Catalogue Essay

The lavish Rolex King Midas first appeared in 1962 and has since become a star-studded favorite among celebrities. The inaugural reference, 9630, was notably the bold timepiece of choice for icons such as Elvis Presley, "The King of Rock n' Roll" and John Wayne, "The Duke". Its daring design was designed by none other than the brilliant Gerald Genta, the iconic designer behind the Patek Philippe Nautilus and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.

Inspired by the Greek myth, the King Midas architecture embodies the legendary "Midas touch"—the ability to turn anything to gold. The original King Midas references introduced a unique case design characterized by striking asymmetrical lines that evoke the grandeur of the Parthenon. Not only was it the heaviest gold watch of its time, but it was also the most expensive Rolex available.

In the 1970s, some iterations of the King Midas including the current reference 4611 transitioned to a rectangular case design, distinguishing it from the original asymmetrical square cases. With three rows of diamonds lavishly adorn the lugs, it further enhances the watch's elegance.

This particular King Midas reference 4611 dazzles in yellow gold, featuring an exotic Tiger’s Eye dial that beautifully complements the golden hue of the case. To further emphasize its distinctiveness, the original Greek letter Midas is printed at the 6 o’clock position. Preserved in very good overall condition, this hefty and unique timepiece stands out as a true treasure among vintage Rolex models.

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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