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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1950
    Reference No: 8029
    Case No: 630'891
    Model Name: Precision
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1220, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 38mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The history of Rolex is punctuated by rare and unusual timepieces, which open a door to our collective knowledge. Around every corner new gems can be found, waiting to be discovered. The present example, reference 8029, is one such watch. Made during the early 1950s, the oversized 38 millimeter case impresses the beholder, and gives a nod to the future of things that were yet to come. Large size stainless steel cases were not the norm for luxury brands in post World War II, with most cases measuring around 33 millimeter and manufactured in gold. The impressive size is further enhanced by the ultra rare dial, featuring diamond numeral markers at the quarters.

    A trophy timepiece is one that is both rare and highly desirable, and while a time only wristwatch, this delightful reference 8029 can certainly be considered a a trophy for a new or experienced connoisseur. With minor traces of use, it was hardly worn, retaining its original factory finish with strong bevels, factory satin finished surfaces, and its overall proportions correct. The original dial looks stunning yet understated with the diamond numerals, making this rare and elegant 1950s wristwatch a treasure for both daily and evening wear.

  • 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. 8029
A very large, elegant and rare stainless steel and diamond-set wristwatch with center seconds and presentation box

1950
38mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 15,000 
€9,300-13,900
$9,900-14,900

Sold for CHF60,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017