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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1951
    Reference No: 6090
    Movement No: F31296 and 46686
    Case No: 730'210
    Model Name: "Bombé"
    Material: 18K yellow gold and enamel
    Calibre: Automatic, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Gay Frères bracelet, max length 170mmm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp stamped 2.54
    Dimensions: 33mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Showcasing beautiful curves known as "bombé lugs", the present watch is fitted with a striking, eye-catching and absolutely spectacular blue enamel dial. The quality of the present timepiece is outstanding. The blue enamel appears bright yet translucent and has an even, rich and saturated tone. Every detail is taken into account. The enameler has painted a perfect and small circular ring around the center post where the dial plate meets the enamel, attesting to the meticulous work of Stern Frères. Furthermore, the gold graphics glint against the rich blue background, perfectly complementing the gold hour markers.

    Most importantly, the back of the dial is stamped with the internal number for Stern Frères, the esteemed dial maker, further attesting to its originality.

    The case is also preserved in excellent condition, with thick bevels and curves throughout. There is a strong hallmark beneath the lug, which is deep and crisp, attesting to the beautiful condition of the timepiece. It is even accompanied by a Gay Frères bracelet stamped for 1954, which is in excellent and superb condition as well.

  • 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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60

Ref. 6090
An extremely rare and most attractive yellow gold wristwatch with bombé lugs, blue enamel dial and bracelet

Circa 1951
33mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF50,000 - 100,000 
€46,400-92,700
$54,600-109,000

Sold for CHF93,750

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