Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO Hong Kong Monday, May 30, 2016 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1960
    Reference No: 1675
    Movement No: D44399
    Case No: 621'396
    Model Name: GMT-Master
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, 1560, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, 170 mm. maximum length, end link stamped 58
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp stamped Rolex 2.65
    Dimensions: 39 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Literature: For another example of an early reference 1675, please see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, page 193.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present watch is an early example of the reference 1675, and is very special for a number of reasons. Firstly, the watch features pointed crown guards, lovingly dubbed 'El Cornino' by Rolex enthusiasts. The crown guards still retain their sharp edges. Examples of reference 1675 fitted with pointed crown guards are incredibly rare, and only very early examples carry this feature. Secondly, this watch features a glossy lacquer dial with gilt graphics, which is among the most collectable within the 1675 family. Scholarship leads us to believe that the dial is slightly later than the watch, due to the Swiss T<25 signature at 6 o'clock. However, given that the dial and case date only three years apart, it is entirely possible that this watch left the factory in its present state. Thirdly, the watch retains its small tipped 24 hour hand - another indicator that the present watch is a very early variant of reference 1675. Finally, the numerals and hands have aged evenly to a beautiful cream color, and the bezel has faded from a pepsi color to light blue and magenta. The bezel really gives this watch a lot of character and presence on the wrist.

  • 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. 1675
A rare stainless steel dual time wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, date, black lacquer dial, pointed crown guards and bracelet

1960
39 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$80,000 - 120,000 

Sold for HK$250,000

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