Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1955
    Reference No: 6305/1
    Movement No: 03'521 and H98'737
    Case No: 85'239
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. A296, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Throughout Rolex’s history, the "crowned" firm has continued to constantly innovate classic styles established early on in their history. The Datejust is one of the their most successful models, first introduced in 1945, and still in production today. At the time of manufacturer of the present reference 6305/1, the Datejust had just turned 10. During those 10 years, Rolex continued to evolve the Datejust, refining its personality to become one of their most beloved watches today. In between the lugs at 6 o’clock, just above the reference number, is an inscription that reads “Brevet”, which means patented in French. Made shortly after Rolex’s introduction of their patented twinlock crown, it used two rubber gaskets that allowed a water resistance rating of 100m/300ft. The matte black dial with gilt printing is exceedingly rare within this reference and has irresistible appeal. Overall in wonderful, unrestored condition, one struggles to believe that the present lot is already over 60 years of age as it does not only have a very contemporary look but looks as if it left the Rolex factory just recently.

  • 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. 6305/1
A rare and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with black dial and date

1955
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF8,000 - 12,000 
€7,300-11,000
$8,200-12,400

Sold for CHF13,125

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016