Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR Hong Kong Monday, May 29, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1987
    Reference No: 1600/168000, with '0' crossed out between the lugs by Rolex
    Movement No: 1'855'305
    Case No: R327555
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, 3035, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, 180 mm. maximum length
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding twinlock deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: With Rolex Attestation de Chronomètre Official dated 1 January 1988, product literature, wallet, service receipt dated 17 February 2011 and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 168000 is among the rarest of all modern Submariners. Produced for less than one year in 1987, the reference features the case of later reference 16610, while retaining the movement and dial of earlier reference 16800.

    The model is also known as a 'transitional' reference, as seen between the lugs at 12 o'clock, which is stamped 168000 with '0' crossed out by Rolex. Research shows that the accompanying guarantee is always stamped 16800, which we see on the present example. The present watch is preserved in excellent condition with all-matching warm patina to the numerals, hands and bezel. The case is furthermore preserved in excellent condition with sharp satin finishes, and the original bracelet is stamped 'L' for 1987. The watch is furthermore accompanied by its original guarantee with stamped country code for Hong Kong (400).

  • 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.

    View More Works

1091

Ref. 1600/168000, with '0' crossed out between the lugs by Rolex
An attractive stainless steel wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, date, bracelet, original guarantee and fitted presentation box

Circa 1987
40 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$38,000 - 76,000 
€4,600-9,200
$4,900-9,800

Sold for HK$100,000

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: FOUR

Hong Kong Auction 30 May 2017