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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1976
    Reference No: 1607
    Movement No: D716551
    Case No: 4'043'797
    Model Name: DateJust
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18 yellow gold Rolex President bracelet with bark finished centre links, 180 mm. maximum length
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold Rolex concealed folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed, case back further engraved KR for Khimji Ramdas
    Accessories: With Rolex original fitted presentation box and accompanying letter from the Sultante of Oman.

  • Catalogue Essay

    This DateJust is particularly rare for a number of reasons. Firstly, the watch is fitted with a bark finished bezel and centre links, which is correct for this reference. The dial is signed with the 'Qaboos' signature, meaning the watch was a special commission from His Majesty the Sultan of Oman. Even rarer is the caseback, bearing two letters, KR. These initials represent Khimji Ramdas, the prestigious Omani retailer, confirming the location of origin for this special time piece. The presence of KR is testament to the watch's original condition - the engraving would have easily disappeared with light polishing. The serial number is furthermore repeated on the case back, confirming the watch was a special order for Rolex.

    This DateJust is accompanied with its original Khanjar fitted presentation box, and a letter from the Royal Band of the Sultanate of Oman with the stamp of the Rubat Palace, confirming the watch was a gift to a special performer from the Royal Band. Overall, the watch has been preserved in very original and crisp condition. The bracelet links and bezel are tarnished from age, confirming the watch has not been used for a very long time.

  • 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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218

Ref. 1607
A fine and rare yellow gold wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, date and bracelet, made for the Sultanate of Oman, retailed by Khimji Ramdas

1976
36 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed, case back further engraved KR for Khimji Ramdas

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 200,000 

Sold for HK$200,000

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