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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1952
    Reference No: 6034
    Case No: 847'388
    Model Name: Oyster Chronograph
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72A, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel riveted Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 357, max length 200mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp stamped 3.65
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 6034 was only the second Oyster cased chronograph to be manufactured by Rolex during the earlier half of 1950s. It was furthermore the first of the highly coveted series of chronograph models beginning with the 6000 reference numbers and the ancestor of the famous Daytona. Most of these chronographs were cased in stainless steel or 18k yellow gold with a small series in 14k gold, often with various dial configurations. One of the most attractive configurations of the steel model featured both a colorful red and blue tachymeter and telemeter scales respectively.

    The present example features a blue telemeter scale and a black tachometer scale both indicated in miles. It remains in pleasing and original overall condition with a superbly aged dial having taken a warm vanilla-toned hue that further enhances the vintage appeal of this watch. With an elegant 36mm diameter, this watch sets out Rolex’s original blueprint of a sports chronograph that will soon become an icon.

  • 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. 6034
A rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with blue telemeter scale and bracelet

1952
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 
€13,900-23,200
$14,900-24,800

Sold for CHF18,750

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017