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

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1933
    Reference No: 1587
    Movement No: 79'085
    Case No: 9945
    Model Name: Prince "Railway"
    Material: 18k yellow and white gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 350TS, 15 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Dimensions: 42mm. Length, 23mm. Width
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The condition of the present two-tone Prince is simply breathtaking. In fact, today it presents itself in the same mint condition as when acquired by its first owner over 80 years ago from a UK retailer. In virtually mint and unworn condition, this superb doctor’s watch with red jumping hour at 12 o’clock also stands out with its stunning case design echoing the roaring twenties’ .

    From the geometric, art-deco shapes of the yellow and white gold case that evoke the architecture of New York’s skyscrapers to its immaculate two-tone dial with stylized numerals and the shape of the sub dials, the watch perfectly exemplifies Rolex’s mastery of design. Sold in Great Britain, this watch displays perfectly crisp hallmarks. The caseback retains the Glasgow mark of opposed ‘F’s along with a framed ‘K’ corresponding to the years 1933-1934. Hallmarks are even found on the fixed gold spring bars, each stamped with London hallmarks. The rarity and beauty of this oversized piece, combined with its incredible condition make this reference 1587 a must have for the savvy collector.

  • 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.

    View More Works

128

Ref. 1587
A fine and extremely well preserved yellow and white gold rectangular doctor's wristwatch with red jump hour and two-tone silvered dial

1933
42mm. Length, 23mm. Width
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 50,000 
€27,500-45,900
$30,900-51,500

Sold for CHF46,250

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016