There are Grails (with an emphasis on the plural) within the Rolex production and then there is the 6062.
Reference 6062 is one of only two Rolex models ever to feature a full calendar paired with the indication of the phases of the moon, together with reference 8171. This marvel of finesse and sophistication is a condensate of Rolex's genetic code: the iconic Oyster case, a Rolex "perpetual" in-house movement and of course the ultimate rarity of a full calendar complication featuring a moonphase display. The reference 6062 embodies what Rolex stands for without a shred of compromise.
Launched at the Basel fair in 1950 and in production for only a few short years, this reference was only available in steel, yellow gold or pink gold, the latter case metal being by far the rarest of the three.
Only two dial versions for the pink gold models are known today: the “Stelline”, featuring applied star-shaped hour markers and the present dial design, featuring Arabic numerals at the 3 and 9’clock position and faceted arrow-shaped markers.
Only two models in pink gold with the Arabic numerals at 3 and 9 o’clock were known, one with grené dial auctioned by Phillips on May 10, 2015 in Geneva and the other with two-tone dial published in John Goldberger’s 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, p. 140 & 141.
The present reference 6062 redefines scholarship on this reference as it is the second example in rose gold with a dramatic two-tone dial to be discovered.
The Rolex reference 6062 is the equivalent of the “Blue Period” in Picasso’s work or the year 1945 for Bordeaux wines: defining, seminal, unique and highly covetable.
Phillips has shared magic moments with this reference and has in fact auctioned four of the most valuable reference 6062 to appear on the market:
- Yellow gold, black dial and diamond markers having belonged to the last emperor of Vietnam, the “Bao Dai” selling for CHF5,066,000 making it the most expensive Rolex to be sold at auction (Geneva, 13-14 May, 2017)
- Stainless steel with lacquered silvered finish in the main portion of the dial, along with an ivory grené outer ring selling for CHF1,930,000 (Geneva, 13-14 May, 2017)
- Yellow gold with yellow gold bracelet and “Stelline” dial selling for CHF1,265,000 (Geneva, 7-8 November, 2015)
-Pink gold with pink gold bracelet, grené dial and Arabic numerals at 3 and 9 o’clock and with a serial number only 31 digits apart from the present watch, selling for CHF1,001,000 (Geneva, 10 May, 2015)
The present timepiece has been part of an important European collection since the late 80s and worn only a handful of times since.
The beautiful pink gold case is a magnificent frame for the visually arresting two tone dial with an ivory centre and vivid silver periphery with blue date.
The offering of this über-rare pink gold reference 6062 is an event by itself and an opportunity that the most demanding and educated collectors of vintage wristwatches should not miss.