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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1966
    Reference No: 1675
    Movement No: D74605
    Case No: 1'462'091
    Model Name: GMT-Master
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel, riveted Rolex Oyster , reference 7206, end links stamped 80, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp stamped I.67
    Dimensions: 39mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed.
    Further stamped II.66 on the case back

    Accessories: Presented with box and outer packaging. Further accompanied with Rolex punched guarantee, original sale receipt confirming the sale of the present watch on December 21st, 1967 and Certificate from the Bureaux Suisses de Contrôle Officiel de la Marche des Chronomètres.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex GMT Master’s fascinating history began with Pan Am collaborating with Rolex to develop a watch that would allow their pilots to simultaneously keep track of time in two time zones. Reference 1675 was introduced in 1960 as the successor to the reference 6542 – the first GMT-Master launched in 1954. The reference 1675 introduced crown guards and a bezel with a metallic insert that was more robust than the 6542’s Bakelite bezel.

    The present example from 1966 features its original stunning black glossy dial with gilt print, and is fitted with a 24 hours hand with small arrow tip. The tritium hour markers that have aged to a beautiful caramel color, perfectly match the luminous hands. The red (day) segment of the bezel has naturally shaded to a light and appealing shade of red, while the blue (night) sector remains deep.

    As a matter of fact, the present lot stands out with numerous details which are paramount to the demanding collector. The case is crisp and unrestored, in a condition that is consistent with the state of preservation of the dial. It comes complete with its original box, punched guarantee, and even the original timing certificate from the Bureaux Suisses de Contrôle Officiel de la Marche des Chronomètres. Combining the charisma and pleasure of a true vintage watch along with great daily wearability, this superb example offers tremendous value and practicality for collectors.

  • 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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105

Ref. 1675
A very attractive and well preserved stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet, dual-time zone, and black lacquer dial, accompanied by presentation box and certificate

1966
39mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed.
Further stamped II.66 on the case back

Estimate
CHF12,000 - 18,000 
€11,000-16,500
$12,400-18,600

Sold for CHF23,750

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016