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Rolex

Ref. 116759SANR, caseback stamped "2349" to the inside

GMT-Master II

A bedazzling and extremely scarce white gold and diamond and sapphire-set dual time wristwatch with center seconds, date, bracelet, guarantee and box

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The GMT-Master, Rolex’s iconic dual time offering, is most famously and typically cased in stainless steel. While reference 6542 and 1675 were sometimes cased in precious metals, these were infrequent occurrences. Indeed, it was not until the arrival of reference 16758 in 1979, that the GMT-Master was set with rubies, diamonds and sapphires, introducing in the process the four letters code (in that instance, “SARU”) the now defines gem-set Rolex watches.

The present example is a variation on the theme, characterised by an incredibly striking monochrome appearance. As defined by its suffix “SANR”, the bezel of this piece is adorned with black sapphires (Sapphire NoiR) and diamonds, which dramatically alter the overall looks of the piece. The colourful red/blue bezel in in this case exclusively black and white, granting to the watch both aesthetic boldness and ultimate readability (even more impressive in a gem-set piece)

Preserved in excellent condition - most likely it was worn only a handful of times, and never polished - this timepiece is accompanied by its original Warranty. It will bewitch the collector of extravagant and important timepiece with its dazzling appearance and extreme exclusivity.

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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