Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XII Hong Kong Saturday, June 5, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1977
    Reference No: 1675
    Movement No: D269’447
    Case No: 5’174’490
    Model Name: GMT-Master, "MK IV"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “78360”, endlinks stamped “580”, max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped by Swiss retailer Jean-Francois Michaud, green wallet, 1977 calendar card, hang tags, instruction manual, product literature, green leather folio, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    First introduced in 1954, the Rolex GMT-Master was the answer when the Pan American Airways had a growing demand of pilots traveling ever more distantly and frequently. With the debut of reference 6542 fashioned in a stunning blue and red attire, also known as the Bakelite, it quickly became true aviators ultimate tool watch for their everyday jetsetter lifestyle.

    The successor ref. 1675 was launched in 1959 and had a two decades of production run until 1980. Evolved and improved, various designs and technical upgrades were added to the mix like the replacement of a more durable aluminium bezel insert, added protection of crown guards, and the transition dial variations from glossy to matte dials.

    Immensely popular, the present specimen preserved with great proportions and its full accessories embodies incredible vintage appeal. Bearing a 5.1 million serial and fitted with a Mark IV matte dial identified via the perfect alignment of the right vertical of “M” in “Master” centred with “C” from Chronometer below. Furthermore boosting its charismatic personality, the bezel insert of the famed “Pepsi” have faded into a unique red and blue, with a dial that features luminous plots uniformly aged into a buttery hue with the test of time.

  • 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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1035

Ref. 1675
A fine and attractive stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with center seconds, date, bracelet guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1977
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 200,000 
€12,900-21,400
$15,400-25,600

Sold for HK$327,600

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XII

Hong Kong Auctions 5-6 June 2021