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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1965
    Reference No: 1601
    Movement No: 52434
    Case No: 1'140'472
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: 18K pink gold and diamonds
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1560, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    This Datejust features a number of details that separates it from the ordinary. Firstly, it displays a stunning lacquer dial that has turned to an even and rich brown tone over time. There is no telling how a dial will react over time and to find such a consistent and saturated "Tropical" tone is a real anomaly indeed. Secondly, the dial does not display any signs of cracking, which is incredibly rare for a lacquer dial, adding to its desirability and beauty. Finally, the combination of dagger and diamond markers are another rare detail that is very rarely found on Datejust models.

    The case is preserved in excellent condition with sharp hallmarks beneath the lug and crisp finishes to the top of 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
An extremely rare and stunning pink gold and diamond-set wristwatch with black lacquer "tropical" dial

Circa 1965
36mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 
€13,900-23,200
$16,400-27,300

Sold for CHF40,000

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