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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1970
    Reference No: 1601
    Movement No: D811300
    Case No: 2'625'523
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet, reference 6251H, end links stamped 55, max length 200mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding clasp stamped 1.71
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by presentation box, outer packaging, punched guarantee, product literature and leather wallet.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Datejust's story began in 1945, when Rolex produced reference 4467 to commemorate the manufacture's 40th anniversary. Featuring a coin-edge bezel and an aperture for the date, the model showcased a completely new bracelet design named the "Jubilee". While the Datejust has been reincarnated many times since its inception, Rolex has always retained the model's DNA with a reeded bezel, Jubilee bracelet, and clean, geometric forms.

    The present watch is the most classic iteration of the famous Datejust. Cased in stainless steel, this example also features an unmistakable white gold bezel that shimmers as it catches the light. Unpolished and featuring sharp factory finishes to the top of the lugs, the watch has survived in incredible condition since 1970. The "pie-pan" dial, too, is preserved extraordinarily well, as all the luminous plots are present and fully intact. Rarer still, the watch retains its original factory sticker on the case back.

    Another element of delight is the original guarantee and product literature, stating the watch was retailed at Wako in Ginza, Tokyo. Even the fitted presentation box is original, complete with the correct reference sticker on the outside packaging.

  • 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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No Reserve

Δ6

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 1601
An attractive stainless steel wristwatch with date, white gold bezel, "pie-pan" dial, bracelet, presentation box and guarantee

1970
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF6,000 - 12,000 
€5,600-11,100
$5,900-11,900

Sold for CHF6,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017