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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1973
    Reference No: 1601
    Movement No: D811427
    Case No: 3'202'664
    Model Name: DateJust
    Material: 18k pink gold and stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Beige leather strap
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt Rolex buckle
    Dimensions: 35.5 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Middle East, also known as the Near East, spans the southern and eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea, extending from Morocco to the Arabian Peninsula and Iran.

    Rolex is particularly known for making special watches for this region, applying an additional stamp to the dial featuring the National Coats of Arms, the names of politicians and rulers. Luxury goods, specifically watches, have been used by many States in the Middle East as gifts to a well deserving subject as a thank you for a job well done.

    Watches are usually well regarded by those whom are lucky enough to receive, and are handed down to future generations. Due to the nature of the gift, they are treasured by those whom receive them and they are kept in extremely well preserved condition.

    The following 10 lots are equally interesting and compelling. Stamped with the coats of arms of various states including the Khanjar for Oman, this collection is in exceptional overall condition.

    Cased in stainless steel and pink gold, this watch is fitted with a symbol of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.

  • 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 rare pink gold and stainless steel wristwatch with sweep centre seconds and date, made the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces

1973
35.5 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$30,000 - 50,000 

Sold for HK$62,500

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: TWO

Hong Kong Auction 31 May 2016