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: 1985
    Reference No: 19168, further stamped 19000 inside the case back
    Movement No: O109'580
    Case No: 8'761'104
    Model Name: Day-Date Oyster Quartz
    Material: 18k yellow gold and diamonds
    Calibre: Quartz, cal. 5055, 11 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold and diamond Rolex Oyster Quartz, reference 19168, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Concealed deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present lot is an exquisite example of Rolex’s most prestigious Day-Date – the “Octopussy” – a name coined by collectors for Rolex’s most lavish version of the President bracelet produced during the 1970s and 1980s. These exclusive bracelets featured one large diamond or precious stone on every single link. Round brilliant-cut diamonds on each outer link were set in unusual cylindrical settings, flanking a center link with a baguette-cut precious stone. The cylindrically set diamonds rise prominently above the links, resembling the suction cups of an Octopus’s tentacles, giving rise to its charming nickname.

    The Oysterquartz line was introduced in 1977 using Rolex’s own, in-house high-precision quartz movement. Catering to those who preferred the higher timekeeping accuracy that quartz regulation enables, these models featured a thinner case and bracelet with sharp, modern angles matching the cutting edge technology found within.

    Set throughout with diamonds, the present Oysterquartz example was the ultimate in terms of luxury, cost, and prestige. Admiring the bracelet from the reverse side, one notices how each and every diamond is individually secured to its link via 18-karat gold screws.

    No expense was spared, as even the bezel is adorned with baguette diamonds – Rolex’s most costly option. In overall superb condition, the present lot is a true collector's piece, with hardly any signs of wear as evidenced by the presence of the original green factory sticker on the caseback.

  • 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

168

Ref. 19168, further stamped 19000 inside the case back
A very rare and highly attractive yellow gold and diamond calendar wristwatch with diamond-set bracelet

1985
37mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 80,000 
€36,700-73,400
$41,200-82,400

Sold for CHF106,250

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016