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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1989
    Reference No: 1016
    Movement No: D668104
    Case No: L'466'469
    Model Name: Explorer
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped N7
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex punched Guarantee dated February 20, 1990, original receipt dated February 20, 1990, product literature, wallet, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Made in the last year of this model's production period, this Explorer is offered in virtually "New Old Stock" condition. Barely worn throughout its lifetime, the present watch has never been polished. Even more remarkable is the original factory sticker that is present on the caseback. The dial is also preserved in an equally impressive state, displaying no signs of tarnishing or spotting. Interestingly, "L Series" 1016 dials display luminous '3-6-9' numerals that are slightly thicker and fatter, similar to that of early generation "Fat Font" matte 1016 numerals.

    Complete with its original punched guarantee stating it was sold at Luigi Verga in Milan, it even retains the original sales receipt from 1990 and fitted presentation box with the "1016" sticker on the side.

  • 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. 1016
An extremely well-preserved stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, bracelet, original receipt, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1989
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 
€13,200-22,000
$15,400-25,600

Sold for CHF30,000

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