129
Rolex
Ref. 6062
"Time Capsule Stelline"
An important, fresh-to-auction and exceptionally well-preserved yellow gold triple calendar wristwatch with star-set numerals and moonphases
Full-Cataloguing
- Full calendar with moonphases, one of Rolex's most iconic models
- Impressively well preserved
- Acquired by consignor from original Japanese owner
Certain watches transcend rarity. They represent opportunities that may arise only once in a lifetime—pieces that appear so infrequently that, when they do, they command the attention of the entire collecting community. These are watches whose reputations stand on their own, known singularly for what they are rather than what they resemble. They define their respective categories, setting the benchmark against which all others are measured.
The present watch is one such timepiece. It occupies the highest echelon of its class, distinguished by its rarity, desirability, condition and enduring recognition among discerning collectors. Opportunities to acquire an example of this caliber are exceptionally scarce, making its appearance on the market not merely another offering, but a genuinely remarkable occasion.
Quite likely one of the greatest and best preserved examples of reference 6062 to surface on the market in recent years, the present watch represents a potent intersection of quality, provenance and rarity. Purchased from the original owner in Japan and just recently discovered a few months ago, it is possibly the best preserved example of any yellow gold reference 6062 to come to the market, closely followed by the mythical "Dark Star" which last appeared on the market almost a decade ago. Coupled with the rare, highly sought after "Stelline" dial, the present timepiece represents one of the most significant vintage Rolex discoveries ever made in recent years.
This timepiece is an absolutely exceptional specimen. Displaying completely original lines, curves, and finishes, it best demonstrates the genesis and factory specifications of this cult reference.
Reference 6062 is one of two Rolex models to feature a triple calendar complication paired with a moon phase indication. While reference 6062 features a screw down Oyster case back, reference 8171 features a snap-on case back.
Launched at the Basel fair in 1950, reference 6062 was the first automatic wristwatch with date and moon phase housed in a waterproof case. Cased in stainless steel, yellow gold and pink gold, the model was fitted with a number of dial variants. The most exclusive and desirable version is, without a doubt, one fitted with eight faceted stars in lieu of hour numerals. Such is the desirability, and popularity of the watch, that collectors have dubbed it ‘Stelline’, meaning 'starlet' in Italian.
This example of a reference 6062 is furthermore completely fresh to the market, having surfaced to the public just recently. We are incredibly honored to present this watch. It is an opportunity to satiate even the most demanding of collectors and watch scholars.
At first glance, the most impressive attribute of the watch is undeniably, the dial. The yellow gold case, preserved in most probably unpolished condition, displays a sharp hallmark to the bottom of the lug. There is a layer of multi-coloured patina throughout, almost mimicking the colour of mother-of-pearl, which really gives this watch so much character and history, furthermore attesting to its untouched condition. The Super Oyster crown is original, and we believe that the watch was never delivered with a bracelet, given that there are virtually no signs of wear between the lugs.
The dial condition can only be described as incredible – most examples are spotted throughout, due to aging and exposure to environmental elements. This dial barely shows any signs of its age. The numerals on the outer track are inky blue, and the day and date apertures are sharp and angular, demonstrating the originality of the dial.
The luminous stars, the most important aspect of the dial, are untouched. Each luminous within is perfectly rounded, placed precisely within each star. The “Officially Certified Chronometer” designation within the moon phase subsidiary dial is a particularly nice touch.
Examples like the present watch, with its full proportions and facets are completely phenomenal. The arrival on the market of the present gem should not be taken lightly or underestimated. Certain collectors may want to wait until another example shows up on the market. However, considering the spectacularly untouched condition of the present watch there will not be another similar example.
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.