Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE Geneva Saturday, May 14, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1970
    Reference No: 1601
    Case No: 2'625'523
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Rolex stainless steel Jubilee bracelet, stamped 6251H, end links stamped 55, max. length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel folding deployant clasp, stamped 1.71
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by a presentation box, leather envelope and guarantee

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex introduced the famous Datejust to the market in 1945, and it was the brand’s first wristwatch to display the date.

    The present example is a wonderful representation of the beloved Datejust, fitted with a gorgeous silvered dial, white gold reeded bezel and jubilee bracelet.

    It is especially rare to find a steel example of this reference to have survived in absolutely mint condition, still retaining the green sticker and all the accessories that the original buyer would have received some 45 years ago. Albeit not being one of the most important or complicated vintage wristwatches, connoisseurs of vintage watches will be delighted to discover this piece as it gives us today an opportunity to travel back to 1971 with a time machine to once again acquire a virtually mint steel Datejust.

  • 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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Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 1601
A very fine and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with silvered dial, date and bracelet, accompanied by presentation box and guarantee

1970
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF6,000 - 12,000 
€5,500-11,000
$6,200-12,400

Sold for CHF10,625

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016