Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX Hong Kong Monday, May 28, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1975
    Reference No: 1016
    Case No: 4'150'620
    Model Name: Explorer
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1750, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, stamped 78360, endlinks stamped 580, max length 170mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp, stamped 78360, VE
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Explorer is one of Rolex’s most successful and sought after timepieces known both for its minimalistic design perspective and wearability. Launched in 1953 to celebrate the ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzig Norgay, the watch was and has always been a tool watch for the outdoorsman due their rugged durable case, but today it is easily worn in the office. The robust 36mm size case is enhanced by the trademark 3-6-9 dial.

    This lovely reference 1016 is in remarkable original condition, with a possible light polish in the past, the case is crisp and well proportioned. The dial is clean and original with lume plots and hands that aged together over time to a warm yellow hue. This attractive example is sure to please all collectors.

  • 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

909

Ref. 1016
A fine and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds and bracelet

Circa 1975
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
HK$64,000 - 96,000 
€7,000-10,600
$8,200-12,300

Sold for HK$131,250

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: SIX

Hong Kong Auction 29 May 2018