The Rolex ref. 6062 is unarguably one of the most sought-after wristwatch models of all times. Featuring an automatic movement with triple calendar and moon phases, it is one of the contenders to the title of most complicated vintage Rolex wristwatch - the other candidates being the triple calendar chronograph "Killy" models, and the sister reference 8171 - this latter sharing with its sibling the complications but not the iconic (and waterproof!) Oyster case.
In production during the 1950s, the model was a very unusual proposition from the brand. Rolex was historically focused on tool watches, a vocation that had been steadily growing since Mercedes Gleitze historical 1932 channel crossing. In fact, the 1950s are a decade which witnessed the birth of many of Rolex's most iconic models, all of them tool or sport pieces: the Submariner, the GMT-Master, the Milgauss... A complicated wristwatch was not- and it still is not today - what Rolex's main efforts were focused on. As such, Rolex's clients were not extremely enticed by such an uncommon offer, sales lingered and as a consequence the model is one of the scarcest in the entire history of the brand. Today, about 110 examples overall have appeared on the market and the total production is estimated to be between 500 and 1000 pieces.
Possibly in order to try and boost sales, three different metals (yellow gold, pink gold, and steel) and six dial configurations are known for the model. The most common one, found in about half of the known examples, is the one with star indexes (with luminous material found either inside the indexes or next to them), which gives the reference its nickname “Stelline”, Italian for "little stars".
The second tier of rarity for 6062 dials is occupied by the "triangle" dials (featuring triangular markers) and the so-called "Explorer" dials featuring Arabic numerals at 3 and 9 o'clock - these latter ones found mostly, but not exclusively, on steel examples.
The ultimate echelon of rarity is attained with the dials featuring pyramid markers ( the so-called"Egyptian" dials) and the present dial configuration - known as “Dagger”, “Lys”, or “Drop” numerals. Less than 10 examples of each are known from the market.
Given all of the above, it should come as no surprise that Phillips is thrilled and honored to bring to light a never before seen specimen of his incredibly collectible category of timepieces.
Discovered in Bologna, Italy - as hinted at by the Italian calendar, another rarity in its own - the watch was originally purchased by the grandfather of the consignor, a man of highly discerning taste and remarkably far sighted. In fact, the consignor keenly recalls how in the 1980s his grandfather more than once told him to take great care of the watch as "it is one of Rolex's most complicated watches and will one day be a collectible".
Luckily for everyone, the gentlemen followed his grandfather's advice and preserved the watch with religious care hardly ever wearing it.
As a result, this watch is one of the best preserved examples of ref. 6062 to ever grace an auction room with its presence. The dial is unbelievably well preserved: all graphics are absolutely vibrant, and the surface presents no trace of the heavy aging which so often afflicts these dials. Instead, one can admire a superb ivory patina which grants the watch enormous charm, especially when coupled with the perfectly preserved lumes which aged to a caramel hue.
To the discerning and uncompromising collector looking for one of the best preserved specimens of this model - furthermore featuring one of the rarest dial configurations, never before seen on the market and offered by the descendant of the original owner - we can only say: look no further. This is the chance you have been waiting for.
