Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: ONE Hong Kong Monday, November 30, 2015 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1965
    Reference No: 1601
    Movement No: D035947
    Case No: 1'148'970
    Model Name: DateJust
    Material: 18k white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k white gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet, 185 mm. maximum length, end links stamped 53
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold Rolex folding deployant clasp stamped Rolex SA, 2.67
    Dimensions: 37 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: With Rolex service receipt dated 31 January 2012.
    Literature: For another example of a reference 1601, however with a lapis lazuli dial, please see 100 Superlative Rolex Wristwatches by John Goldberger, page 161.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present reference 1601 is a highly charismatic and rare example. There are a number of features which further enhance its rarity. The first is the white gold case is in very good overall condition. The second is the period white gold Jubilee bracelet and the third is the tropical black lacquer dial.

    The dial has transformed from black to a very warm and appealing brown, which, depending on how one holds the watch, gives a different impression each time. The silver graphics further enhance its beauty and is perfectly matching its white gold case, making this DateJust a fine and rare example.

  • 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. 1601
A fine and rare white gold wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, date, tropical lacquer dial and bracelet

1965
37 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 250,000 

Sold for HK$287,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: ONE

Hong Kong Auction 1 December 2015 11am