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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1951
    Reference No: 6098
    Movement No: 02'192 and H81'606
    Case No: 723'688
    Model Name: "Ovettone"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. A260, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold contemporary Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 6098 is one of those rare timepieces that were part of “history in the making” as it was on May 29, 1953 that Sir Edmund Hillary successfully reached the peak of Mount Everest - his mighty and faithful stainless steel Rolex reference 6098 strapped on his wrist. The present yellow gold example, with its stunning black dial, is one of the most beautiful and rarest versions of a 6098 we have encountered until now. With its 36mm case diameter, the famed Rolex “Ovettone” was the largest bubbleback-type, time-only watch produced by the brand. Its most exceptional feature, however is a shimmering black lacquer dial that is absolutely enchanting with a gilt minute track and printing, and delightful faceted hour markers. The present lot is in spectacular condition and is a fantastic opportunity for the discerning 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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Ref. 6098
A rare and very attractive yellow gold wristwatch with black dial

1951
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

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

Sold for CHF17,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016