Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1994 Reference No: 15200 Case No: S980491 Model Name: Oyster Perpetual Date Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 180mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp Dimensions: 34mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated 1995, hang tag, presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Preserved in virtually "new old stock" condition, the present timepiece most notably displays the UAE military crest on the dial. The timepiece stands out due to its exceptional condition. Virtually never worn, it is accompanied by all its original accessories and even displays the sticker on the caseback.
Timepieces fitted with special order dials were often presented by Middle Eastern royalty as gifts for the most loyal servants, dignitaries and citizens. It was an honor to be presented with a Rolex timepiece bearing the state symbol. Many of these wristwatches are cherished by their original owners, and passed down from one generation to the next.
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.
Ref. 15200 An extremely rare and virtually "new old stock" stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, date, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box
Circa 1994 34mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed