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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1991
    Reference No: 16233
    Movement No: 6’538’926
    Case No: X961’580, inside caseback stamped 16200
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: 18K yellow gold and stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 33 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold and stainless steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet, endlinks stamped “455B”, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “R11”
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex instruction manual, product literature, calendar card, hang tag, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Initially debuted in 1945, the Rolex Datejust was the world’s first self-winding wristwatch with a date function. Encased in the firm’s signature Oyster case, the Datejust was certainly more than just a touch of luxury but also seemingly a robust timepiece with waterproof capabilities. Today, the model remains as one of Rolex’s flagship models with various materials and dials featured over the years.

    In 1988, Rolex released the ref. 16200 series of Datejust models upgraded with the firm’s new cal. 3135 as well as a sapphire crystal replacing its former Plexiglass crystal. The present example Rolex Datejust ref. 16233 from circa 1991 featuring a two-tone stainless steel and yellow gold case and bracelet encases a champagne hued dial with matching yellow gold hands to enhance its cohesiveness with its two tone case. The dial is further signed by reputable New York retailer Tiffany& Co., elevating the rarity of the present timepiece to a heightened level.

  • 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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1090

Ref. 16233
A fine and rare two tone stainless steel and yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, date, bracelet and presentation box, retailed by Tiffany & Co.

Circa 1991
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$25,000 - 38,000 
€2,600-4,000
$3,200-4,900

Sold for HK$56,700

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