Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1956
    Reference No: 1802 inside caseback stamped 1802 and 1803
    Movement No: DD6'894
    Case No: 197'626
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1555, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    This very early reference 1802 features a smooth bezel - the defining feature of this model. It displays a "Swiss" signed dial, which is correct for the serial number. Interestingly, the inside case back is engraved with both 1802 and 1803, indicating that Rolex had allocated the case back specifically for this particular model. Reference 1802 is much rarer compared to its reed-bezeled sibling reference 1803, making the model particularly favored among collectors. This watch is preserved in very honest condition and still retains a very crisp hallmark beneath the lugs.

  • 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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133

Ref. 1802 inside caseback stamped 1802 and 1803
A fine, rare and early yellow gold calendar wristwatch with smooth bezel

Circa 1956
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF4,000 - 6,000 
€3,500-5,300
$4,100-6,100

Sold for CHF9,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018