Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1977
    Reference No: 1601
    Movement No: D306'613
    Case No: 5'134'416
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: 18k white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 34mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1945, Rolex’s Datejust model was originally called the Jubilee Datejust as a celebration of the renowned firm’s 40th anniversary. As a direct descendant of the Bubbleback, the modern and updated timepiece sported an innovative movement featuring a quick change date aperture. Over its long history, the Datejust model, similar to the Day-Date wristwatch has been produced in many different variations; from different metal types to exotic dials and textured cases. Always designed to fit the tastes of the period, certain models were extravagant gem-set watches.

    The present reference 1601 from the early 1990s is a lovely example with a rare and unusual combination of a white gold case and lapis lazuli dial. Far from 1970s and 80s diamond-set timepieces with lapis lazuli dials seen in yellow gold, the present watch exhibits a masculine and sophisticated feel. This rare and elegant configuration, combined with its superb condition, will appeal to the most distinguished collector.

  • 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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Σ165

Ref. 1601
An attractive and very well preserved white gold wristwatch with lapis lazuli hard stone dial

1977
34mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000 
€18,400-36,700
$20,600-41,200

Sold for CHF33,750

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016