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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1958
    Reference No: 6232
    Case No: 394'877
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. A23, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Vintage Rolex strap
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex buckle
    Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Literature: The present watch is prominently illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, page 118 and 119. It is also published in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda by Pucci Papaleo Editions, page 252 and 253.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Quite possibly one of the best preserved specimens of its kind, the present watch is a spectacular example and a sight to behold. An incredibly rare chronograph model, reference 6232 hardly ever appears on the market. In fact, research suggests that the present watch is one of only twelve watches in existence, destined for the French market. Moreover, the known examples are within a very tight serial range.

    Reference 6232 stands out from the other Rolex chronographs from the same period by the fact that it does not have a 12-hour register, the standard for Rolex in the 1950s. Also, it does not use the caliber 72 like its siblings but a caliber A23. It is, in absolute terms, one of the rarest Rolex references of all times.

    The case is preserved in pristine condition, with French import marks stamped on the outside caseback - fitting as the graphics on the dial are also in French. Two crisp and sharp hallmarks are present on each lug and the case displays beautiful finishes throughout. The dial too, is preserved in spectacular condition with barely any signs of aging. There are virtually no spots or signs of tarnishing on the dial. All luminous dots are present and have aged with warm patina, matching the hands. The watch even retains its original vintage Rolex strap, adding another element of desirability. Furthermore, the straight "Oyster Chronographe" text on the dial is so evocative of 1950s dials and gives the present watch so much charisma and character.

    If these details were not enough to stun even the most seasoned collector, the watch is published twice in literature. It is prominently displayed in both 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger and I Cronografi Rolex – La Leggenda by Pucci Papaleo Editions.

  • 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. 6232
An exceedingly rare and extremely well-preserved pink gold chronograph wristwatch

Circa 1958
36.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF200,000 - 400,000 
€185,000-371,000
$219,000-437,000

Sold for CHF740,000

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