Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII Geneva Saturday, May 13, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1954
    Reference No: 6202 inside caseback stamped 1.54
    Movement No: F92961 and 17'151
    Case No: 952'376
    Model Name: Turn-O-Graph
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. A260, 19 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster expandable "Big Logo" bracelet, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 1.59
    Dimensions: 35.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated January 1957 and written "Navy 3923 Ships Store Yokosuka Japan", product literature and presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    First released in 1953, the Turn-O-Graph can be considered the precursor of Rolex’s tool watches (such as the Submariner, GMT, Milgauss etc.). At the time, the model was truly different from anything that was offered on the market.

    The newly introduced rotating bezel, calibrated to 60 minutes, allowed for accurate timekeeping. While reference 6202 was not the first Rolex wristwatch be fitted with a rotating bezel (the honor goes to the elusive Zerographe), it is a landmark reference that broadly introduced this innovation to the general public. The rotating bezel itself is a very important advancement and it has the innate feature of uniting a true practical purpose with strong and unmistakable aesthetics. As a result, its impact on the industry can on some levels be defined, without being hyperbolic, as paradigm-shifting. Soon after its introduction, however, the GMT-Master and Submariner - more specialized timepieces - overshadowed the Turn-O-Graph which was swiftly put out of production. Consequently, very few examples were made.

    Turn-O-Graphs were released with different dial configurations, and the presently exemplified honeycomb variation can arguably be considered one of the most charismatic. This specific specimen is offered in outstanding condition with an extremely rare dial variant with dagger markers. Furthermore, the case is presented in astounding condition, with razor-crisp numbers engraved between the lugs and sharp definition throughout. Additionally, it is accompanied by its original guarantee confirming the sale on January 1957 and to the "Navy 3923 Ships Store Yokosuka Japan". As an even more interesting historical touch, it is accompanied by its original Turn-O-Graph product literature stating the watch has a "Time Recorder" rim and acts a stop watch with Genuine Oyster case.

  • 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. 6202 inside caseback stamped 1.54
An impressive and extremely well-preserved stainless steel wristwatch with revolving bezel, honeycomb dial, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1954
35.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF24,000 - 40,000 
€25,000-41,600
$27,400-45,700

Sold for CHF55,880

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII

Geneva Auction 13 - 14 May 2023