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

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  • Condition Report

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1977
    Reference No: 1675
    Case No: 5'127'105
    Model Name: GMT-Master "Khanjar"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex introduced the GMT-Master, reference 6542, in 1954 in response to growing international travel, working with Pan American Airlines to develop a watch for their pilots that could indicate “home” and “local” time. By 1959, Rolex introduced the next generation model, the reference 1675, which sported crown guards, and the original rotating calibrated Bakelite bezel was replaced with a more durable metal bezel. The reference 1675 was produced from 1959 until 1980 in stainless steel, stainless steel and gold and all gold, and the dial designation evolved to eventually include the now famous “Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified” text.

    The present watch, reference 1675, is a very well-preserved example with sharp hallmarks and a charming, faded brown bezel. The hallmarks beneath the lugs are particularly crisp and the lugs display crisp bevels. Even the bracelet is rigid and tight, attesting to the great condition of the timepiece.

    Most impressive is the bright red "Khanjar" printed at 6 o'clock instead of "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified". Watches fitted with custom Middle East dials were often presented as gifts to ambassadors, dignitaries, or staff, as a token of gratitude or respect. It was an honor to be presented a Rolex watch with the state symbol. In fact, many of these watches are cherished by their original owners, and passed down from one generation to the next. As a result, Rolex watches with custom dials hardly appear on the market.

  • 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. 1675
A highly rare and attractive yellow gold dual time wristwatch with bracelet, made for the Sultanate of Oman

Circa 1977
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF50,000 - 100,000 
€51,100-102,000
$54,700-109,000

Sold for CHF91,440

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