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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1960
    Reference No: 1806, caseback stamped 1803
    Movement No: DD35830
    Case No: 621'283
    Model Name: Day-Date "Milanese"
    Material: 18k pink gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1555, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k pink gold Rolex textured bracelet, 180 mm. maximum length
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k pink gold Rolex folding deployant clasp stamped 4.61
    Dimensions: 36 mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Literature: The present watch is illustrated in "Day-Date, The Presidential Rolex" by Pucci Papaleo, page 124.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 1806 is distinguished by its textured linen pattern to the bezel and lugs, playfully dubbed the 'Morellis' finish. The most defining feature of the present watch is the immaculate condition of the timepiece. The case is extremely sharp and still retains its delicate linen-textured pattern, which is remarkable to see for a watch of its age. To complete the look, the watch is fitted with its original pink gold bracelet -reference 6764 - to match the case design, which was entirely made by hand. The bracelet is fashioned in a textured brick-link style that is still very tight.
    There are even remnants of the Rolex sticker on the case back - another testament to its originality. The silvered sunburst dial is absolutely superb, free of any flaws or restorations, and is adorned with pink gold ‘claw’ hour markers. Playfully nicknamed “Milanese” in Italian, this watch is prominently illustrated in Pucci Papaleo’s “Day-Date, The Presidential Rolex” – a tome dedicated to the most coveted examples of the ‘crowned’ firm’s beloved Day-Date.

  • 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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186

Ref. 1806, caseback stamped 1803
A fine and rare pink gold calendar wristwatch with center seconds and rare textured bracelet

1960
36 mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 15,000 
€9,200-13,800
$10,300-15,500

Sold for CHF35,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016