Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIX featuring the Guido Mondani Collection Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2024 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 2008
    Reference No: 116619LB
    Case No: V205403
    Model Name: Submariner "Smurf"
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex Guarantee card dated May 08, 2012, card holder, product literature, hang tags, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Furthermore accompanied by a copy of Rolex GMT-Master Story by
    Guido Mondani Editore.

    Literature: The present watch is published in Rolex Submariner, Sea-Dweller e Deepsea by Guido Mondani Editore, pages 250 and 251.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Officially released in 2008, the Rolex reference 116619LB was the first serially produced white gold Submariner. Luxurious yet robust, this submariner retains all of the key characteristics that make Rolex tool watches so highly desirable – efficient, waterproof and rugged.

    LB for “lunette bleu”, the aquatic blue bezel is made of scratch-resistant ceramic and matches the charming vivid blue dial. Featuring white gold hour markers and hands, both have been coated with Rolex’s luminescent Chromalight filling. Cased at 40mm in diameter the timepiece sits comfortably on the wrist. Thanks to its 18K white gold case and bracelet the watch has a pleasant extra heftiness to it.

    The model was discontinued recently in 2020, making way for the new reference 126619LB that features a new caliber and a larger 41mm diameter case. The present Rolex Submariner reference 116619LB, from 2008, is offered with its full set of accessories. It is preserved in almost unworn condition and is partially stickered. Nicknamed “The Smurf” by collectors, it is a great opportunity for any watch enthusiast.

  • 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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From the Guido Mondani Collection

20

Ref. 116619LB
A stickered and very attractive white gold diver's wristwatch with center seconds, date, blue ceramic revolving bezel, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

2008
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000 
€20,400-40,900
$21,900-43,700

Sold for CHF35,560

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIX featuring the Guido Mondani Collection

Geneva Auction 11 - 12 May 2024