Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1960
    Reference No: 1675 inside case back stamped 1.60
    Case No: 504'048
    Model Name: GMT-Master, Cornino
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1560, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Rolex stainless steel riveted Oyster bracelet, end link stamped 7206 and 80
    180mm maximum length

    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel folding deployant clasp, stamped 2.67
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    With the growth of transatlantic travel, Pan American Airlines collaborated with Rolex to develop a wristwatch their pilots could wear, which would indicate both the “home” and “local” times simultaneously. It was believed this device would make aviators less prone to the effects of jet-lag while traveling overseas. Rolex introduced the GMT-Master, reference 6542 in 1954, and in 1959, they released the second-generation GMT-Master model, the reference 1675.

    The present early GMT-Master is a wonderful example of Rolex’s iconic model. From 1960, this tool watch features its original black glossy dial with gilt print reading “Officially Certified Chronometer”, which was later replaced with the “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” signature. The hour markers have nicely aged and perfectly match the luminous hands, completed with its original, luminous 24-hour hand with small arrow tip. The red day segment of the bezel has naturally aged to a light and appealing shade of red, while the blue night sector remains deep. Additionally, this example features early, pointed crown guards, which Rolex added for protection. These guards, sensuously shaped like “little horns”, are affectionately referred to by collectors as “cornino”.

    The reference 1675 has become a true collectible in the world of vintage watch collecting, and the present watch from the earliest days of production provides tremendous, long-term value to 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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Ref. 1675 inside case back stamped 1.60
An early and very rare stainless steel dual time wristwatch with pointed crown guards, black glossy "Officially Certified Chronometer" dial and bracelet

1960
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 35,000 
€23,200-32,400
$24,800-34,700

Sold for CHF37,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017