Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XI Geneva Sunday, June 28, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1972
    Reference No: 1804
    Movement No: DD'726'556
    Case No: 3’773’511
    Model Name: Day-Date "Octopussy"
    Material: Platinum and diamonds
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1556, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Platinum and diamond-set Rolex President bracelet, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1956, the Rolex Day-Date is one of the most recognizable and versatile wristwatches available in the market. It is a model that can be worn by both men and women, and over its 60 year history has been produced in a number of variations ranging from standard unadorned examples, to those with lacquered dials or gem-set, and it was made in stainless steel, platinum and all gold metals.

    The present wristwatch is an extremely rare example in platinum with diamond-set dial, diamond-set President’s bracelet, and rare stunning burgundy Stella dial. Platinum is one of the rarest case metals for any "Octopussy". Thus, this example is particularly singular as it displays baguette numerals as well. Rolex produced these dials from the 1960s until the 1990s. Using a multi-layering lacquer technique, the dials form a vibrant and rich color. Manufactured in 1972, the bezel has 46 round cut diamonds, and the bracelet is a work of art, and is affectionately referred to by collectors as “Octopussy”. The outer edges of the links have prominent raised round-cut diamonds framing a raised baguette-cut diamond to the center, with the round, cylindrically set diamonds resembling the suction cups of an octopus.

    Without a doubt, it can be considered amongst the most lavish and most exclusive examples of the Day-Date sold during this era. For a collector that likes a little bling, this Octopussy is a dream come true.

  • 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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109

Ref. 1804
An extremely rare, important and impressive platinum and diamond-set calendar wristwatch with center seconds, burgundy "Stella" dial and bracelet

1972
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF150,000 - 250,000 
€139,000-232,000
$164,000-273,000

Sold for CHF225,000

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XI

Geneva Auction 27 - 28 June 2020