Rolex - Glamorous Day-Date Geneva Friday, May 8, 2015 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1955
    Reference No: 6511
    Case No: 111'654
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, 1555
    Bracelet/Strap: Rolex
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Movement, dial, case and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Rolex guarantee dated 7th May 1957, green Rolex wallet and Day-Date presentation box
    Literature: The present lot is illustrated in Day Date, The Presidential Rolex by Pucci Papaleo, Spin Edizioni

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present Day-Date was manufactured during the fourth quarter of 1955 and therefore before the official launch which occurred in Basel in 1956. The big so-called ‘Millerighe’ fluted bezel, a distinguishing feature of the early examples, and the gorgeous bracelet complete this wonderful example.Rolex was still searching for a stylistic identity, therefore the dial shows the ‘Day-Date’ writing placed at 6 o’clock, which is printed in red as well as the date wheel. Early Day-Date models were fitted with a thicker case compared to the classic Datejust cases from the same period, and were more curved than those of the references that followed, which displayed squared slim lines. Moreover, these models were fitted with a ‘rounded’ screw-down case back, similar to the Ovettone version for improved water resistance. Exceptionally rare and historically important, the present Day-Date is offered in outstanding original condition.

  • 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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Ref. 6511
An exceptionally rare and historically important yellow gold calendar wristwatch with centre seconds, red date, unusual bracelet, original guarantee and box

1955
36mm. Diameter
Movement, dial, case and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000 

Sold for CHF191,000

Contact Specialist
Livia Russo
+41 22 317 81 86

Glamorous Day-Date

Geneva Auction 9 May 2015 7pm