Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT Hong Kong Monday, May 27, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1978
    Reference No: 1680
    Movement No: D445’242
    Case No: 5’861’499
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped 93150, endlinks stamped 580, max length 190 mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped Z6 and 93150
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed. Inner caseback engraved with service marks
    Accessories: With Rolex punched certificate stamped in 1984 by Veronique, Rolex green fitted presentation box, Rolex anchor accessory, green leather holder, product literature and outer packaging

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex is known for constantly updating the functionalities of its wristwatches. Towards the end of the 1960s, Rolex began improving their diver’s wristwatches to feature a date function. Early examples display a "meters first" depth rating, with the "Submariner" wording in red. Later iterations including the present watch feature the "Submariner" lettering in white.

    A highlight for connoisseurs of fine vintage timepieces, this Submariner is preserved in great overall condition. The luminous material on the dial displays warm patina which was developed beautifully through the passage of time. The present lot is accompanied with a Rolex punched guarantee and a green fitted presentation box, as well as the Rolex anchor accessory marked with depth ratings.

  • 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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961

Ref. 1680
A fine and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with sweep center seconds, date, bracelet, original guarantee, box and anchor

Circa 1978
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed. Inner caseback engraved with service marks

Estimate
HK$78,000 - 156,000 
€8,800-17,600
$10,000-20,000

Sold for HK$137,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
thomasperazzi@phillips.com
+852 2318 2001

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT

Hong Kong Auction 28 May 2019