Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE Geneva Saturday, May 14, 2016 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1959
    Reference No: 6605
    Movement No: N711'492
    Case No: 449'841
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: 18k white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1065, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k white gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet, end links stamped 53, max. length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold folding deployant clasp, stamped 452
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 6605 is a highly sought after Rolex Datejust model, first introduced in the 1950s and fitted with the automatic caliber 1065.

    The present example is exceedingly rare, as it is encased in white gold. The matte black honeycomb dial is in excellent condition, completely unrestored, and features wonderfully aged, warm beige luminous hour markers that perfectly match the hands. Enhancing the beautiful white gold case is a finely fluted bezel, absolutely correct for this model. Furthermore, the watch is complete with its original white gold Jubilee bracelet featuring a highly desirable “big logo” clasp. Another typical feature of the late 50s is the so-called "roulette" date indication, where the even dates of the month are highlighted in red, and the odd dates are black.

    This example is well preserved, retains excellent definition to the lugs and is in excellent original overall condition. For any collector of rare and interesting vintage Rolex watches, this uncommon and elegant Datejust is certain to impress.

  • 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. 6605
A very rare and highly attractive white gold wristwatch with black honey-comb dial, roulette date and bracelet

1959
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF60,000 - 100,000 
€55,100-91,800
$61,800-103,000

Sold for CHF75,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016