







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
- 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
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 | 1905Founded 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.