Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1954
    Reference No: 6305
    Movement No: 06'593
    Case No: 971'888
    Model Name: Datejust "Ovettone"
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 775, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K pink gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet, max length 205mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Rolex deployant clasp stamped 1.54
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Displaying a reeded bezel, reference 6305 is nicknamed "Ovettone" due to the likeness of its case to an egg. This beautiful pink gold "Ovettone" is preserved in excellent condition with an arresting lacquer dial. Displaying a stunning mirror-like finish, the dial features three lines of script bearing "Chronometer Officially Certified "at 6 o'clock. This configuration is extremely rare as most dials display "Officially Certified Chronometer" in two lines. It is incredibly rare to discover a black lacquer dial in such pristine condition, no less with such a singular appearance.

    Preserved in sensational condition, this pink gold Datejust boasts sharp satin finishes on the top of the lugs, as well as a sharp hallmark beneath the lug. The case has developed a light layer of patina throughout, demonstrating how little intervention it has seen throughout its lifetime. This timepiece even retains its original Super Oyster crown. The pink gold Rolex Jubilee is stamped for the first quarter of 1954, corresponding to the year of manufacture.

  • 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. 6305
A large, rare and attractive pink gold wristwatch with black lacquer dial and bracelet

1954
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 50,000 
€26,700-44,500
$30,200-50,400

Sold for CHF150,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019