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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1975
    Reference No: 1601
    Movement No: D'043'369
    Case No: 4'200'996
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: 18K yellow gold and lapis lazuli
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex President bracelet, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex box and product literature.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1945, the Rolex Datejust is one of the most iconic models ever created. Its fluted bezel is instantly recognizable upon a glance, and is still deeply ingrained in the DNA of modern Rolex watches today.

    Rolex in particular excels in using hard stone. The manufacture has elevated its dress watches with materials such as rubellite, blood stone, coral, and even fossil, providing an unusual design twist to classic models.

    This beautifully preserved reference 1601 features a stunning lapis lazuli dial. This very example is particularly rich and saturated in tone, with slight copper and gold flecks throughout. No two hardstone dials are exactly the same in appearance, as they are naturally occurring materials. The present example does not display any cracks on the dial, and is preserved in excellent condition. Furthermore, the case is also presented in crisp condition, with sharp and deep hallmarks beneath the lugs.

  • 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. 1601
A highly rare and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with date, lapis lazuli dial, bracelet and presentation box

Circa 1975
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF12,000 - 24,000 
€11,100-22,300
$13,100-26,200

Sold for CHF25,000

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