Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIV Geneva Friday, November 5, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1987
    Reference No: 16758, inside case back stamped 16750
    Movement No: 1'253'347
    Case No: R288227
    Model Name: GMT-Master
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3075, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet stamped "47" to the endlinks, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold concealed Rolex deployant clasp stamped "K7" and "8386"
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex Guarantee card dated December 15, 2020, Bucherer service Invoice, additional hands and travel pouch.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 16578 is the 18K gold version of ref. 16570, the GMT-Master evolution introducing sapphire crystal and quick-set date (with cal. 3075). The relatively short production period (from 1980 to 1988 circa) combined with the gold case - a much harder seller on a sport's watch - mean that such examples are extremely scarce. Actually, the model was available with two case configurations: either with black bezel, or with the present "rootbeer" color scheme. Extremely scarce SARU (sapphire and ruby) examples were also made.

    When it comes to the dial, the "standard" configuration appears to be the well-known black GMT dial. However, as the present timepiece exemplifies, other more luxurious options were available even for the non-SARU examples. The subtle diamond and ruby-set hour markers do a wonderful job of elevating this timepiece beyond its non gem-set peers but still manage to maintain a somewhat restrained overall aesthetic impact. It is no surprise that the present dial configuration has developed over time a sort of "cult" following, and today is one of the most appreciated by the collector's community.

    The present example is offered in excellent condition, furthermore it has been serviced by Rolex in 2020, meaning that its perfect functioning is guaranteed by the company until 2022.

  • 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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91

Ref. 16758, inside case back stamped 16750
A fascinating and highly attractive yellow gold dual-time automatic wristwatch with center seconds, date, ruby and diamond-set numerals, bracelet and service guarantee

Circa 1987
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF12,000 - 18,000 
€11,200-16,800
$13,000-19,400

Sold for CHF52,920

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East Director
AGhotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIV

Geneva Auction 5 & 7 November 2021