Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO Hong Kong Monday, May 30, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1965
    Reference No: 1601
    Movement No: D030245
    Case No: 1'168'635
    Model Name: DateJust
    Material: 18k white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Brown leather strap
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex buckle
    Dimensions: 36 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Literature: For another example of a white gold reference 1601, please see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, page 161.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present watch is a very rare example within the DateJust family as it is cased in white gold. Over time, the dial has aged to a slightly brown 'tropical' color, with the patina coating the dial in a very even and consistent way. The dial contrasts beautifully against the shimmering and soft appearance of the white gold case. This watch is furthermore presented to us in very original condition. The case has strong definition, features original satin finishes to the top of the lugs and very full proportions to the lugs and band. There is also a clear and crisp hallmark under the lug, and the case back still retains its milled factory finish.

  • 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 and 'tropical' dial

1965
36 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$100,000 - 150,000 

Sold for HK$150,000

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: TWO

Hong Kong Auction 31 May 2016