Rolex - RETROSPECTIVE: 2000 - 2020 Geneva Sunday, November 8, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 2019
    Reference No: 126600
    Case No: 5N73N780
    Model Name: Sea-Dweller
    Material: Stainless Steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3235, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 210mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 43mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by original Rolex guarantee stamped Maissen Klosters AG and dated 19th December 2019, instruction manual, product literature, green card holder, two hang tags, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Sea-Dweller, Rolex introduced the new Sea-Dweller ref. 126600 at Baselworld 2017. Regarded as one of the most important models launched by Rolex, the Sea-Dweller is arguably the least commercial model in the lineup as it is a highly professional tool watch initially developed in collaboration with COMEX. The first model launched was the ref. 1665 in 1967 and it was Rolex’s most capable diver’s wristwatch with a depth rating of up to 610 meters, which was roughly double the depth rating of a Submariner ref. 5513.

    The Rolex Sea-Dweller ref. 126600 came as a surprise to many as there were newly updated features both aesthetically and technically. For the first time in 50 years, the new model featured the “SEA-DWELLER” designation in red writing taking inspiration from early examples of the ref. 1665. Furthermore, Rolex incorporated a Cyclopes lens on the surface of the crystal above the date aperture, initially witnessed in the Submariner ref. 1680. Another interesting upgrade was its larger case dimension measuring 43mm in diameter differing from all previous Sea-Dweller models with 40mm diameter cases. The caliber was upgraded to the new cal. 3235 providing enhanced efficiency and precision, as well as waterproof capabilities of up to 1220 meters.

    The present highly sought after example Rolex Sea-Dweller ref. 126600 is presented in excellent condition. Furthermore, it is complete with the original guarantee, hang tags, and presentation box.

  • 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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204

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 126600
A fine, attractive and well-preserved stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with date, center seconds, helium escape valve, bracelet, guarantee and box

2019
43mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF6,000 - 9,000 
€5,600-8,400
$6,600-9,900

Sold for CHF13,860

Contact Specialist

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

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

 

Thomas Perazzi

Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031

WatchesHK@phillips.com

RETROSPECTIVE: 2000 - 2020

Geneva Auction 8 November 2020