Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XII Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1969
    Reference No: 1804
    Movement No: DD'297'476
    Case No: 2'133'140
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: Platinum and diamonds
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1556, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Rolex buckle
    Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Cased in the noblest of all metals, this reference 1804 is furthermore embellished with a beautiful diamond-set bezel, enhancing the luminosity of the platinum. The use of "4" in the reference number denotes Rolex's use of diamonds on the bezel.

    The watch itself is preserved in extremely impressive condition with crisp bevels and sharp edges.The dial is preserved in equally excellent condition and the luminous material has aged evenly with the hands, displaying warm patina. Furthermore, all luminous dots remain intact. Platinum is one of the rarest metals that Rolex ever used, underscoring the desirability and rarity of the present watch. As an even nicer touch, even the Rolex buckle is in platinum - considering the lack of wear between the lugs and the existence of this buckle, we can only surmise that the present watch was born as it is now - without a bracelet.

  • 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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13

Ref. 1804
A highly rare, attractive and extremely well-preserved platinum and diamond-set calendar wristwatch

Circa 1969
36.5mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 20,000 
€9,300-18,500
$10,900-21,800

Sold for CHF23,940

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XII

Geneva Auction 6 - 7 November 2020