Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1986
    Reference No: 19038
    Movement No: 0'109'225
    Case No: 9'171'386
    Model Name: Day-Date OysterQuartz, "Egyptian"
    Material: 18K yellow gold and diamonds
    Calibre: Quartz, cal. 5055, 11 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex "Pyramide"-finished bracelet, max length 180mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex concealed folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Literature: The present watch is proudly displayed in Day-Date, The Presidential Rolex by Pucci Papaleo, page 178 and 179.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Rolex channeled their resources in creating their very own in-house quartz movements, one of them being the calibre 5055. Known as the 'OysterQuartz', this calibre functioned similarly and accurately as any automatic Day-Date movement, such as the 1556. While the movement was discontinued in 2001, this has only increased the rarity and collectibility of the OysterQuartz Day-Date.

    Like the automatic Day-Date, the OysterQuartz interpretation was fitted with a myriad of designs, ranging from those featuring gem-set bezels and a variety of dial materials.

    This particular OysterQuartz is an outstanding example due to a number of reasons. Firstly, the watch features a diamond-set "Decor Pyramide" bezel, which is incredibly rare. The "Pyramide" motif is repeated on the centre links of the bracelet, and again evoked through the watch numerals, aptly inspiring its name "Egyptian".

    Secondly, the watch is presented to us in astounding condition. It retains factory finishes, including the green sticker to the case back. The dial has furthermore been lovingly kept in impeccable condition, with all luminous intact and perfectly round.

    The watch is furthermore prominently displayed in Day-Date, The Presidential Rolex by Pucci Papaleo, proudly presenting its allure for the horological community's viewing pleasure and appreciation.

  • 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. 19038
A fine and very rare yellow gold and diamond-set calendar wristwatch with bracelet

Circa 1986
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 20,000 
€9,300-18,500
$9,900-19,800

Sold for CHF26,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017