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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1957
    Reference No: 6610
    Movement No: N736’719
    Case No: 269’000, inside caseback stamped “1.57”
    Model Name: Explorer
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1030, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Gay Freres riveted bracelet, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Gay Freres deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1953 and in production until 1963, the Rolex reference 6610 was the celebration of rigors of adventures and extreme explorations of mankind. With a distinguished 3-6-9 dial configuration and humble flat bezel, this utilitarian timepiece is beloved by collectors.

    The present ref.6610 with a 269 thousand serial dates back to 1957, and is truly a time capsule specimen, preserved in absolutely stunning condition is a sight to behold, the dial still remains its vivid black gloss over the course of an amazing 64 years, rare condition to come across for this vintage timepiece. Powered by the slim caliber 1030 movement, the Explorer evolved into a more modern and lean profile comparing to its predecessors. The discerning collector will notice an unusual sight sitting discretely underneath the coronet and Explorer logo, one will find the presence of a gilt insignia “K. W. Co”. The present ref. 6610 is a double-signed Explorer, according to research this is the mark of an American retailer named the “Knickerbocker Watch Company”, the company was an importer for Swiss watches and wristwatches of the time. Preserved in excellent condition, the watch has developed a pleasing patina on the luminescent and retains very strong Geiger readings. A pioneer of mankind’s desire to push boundaries of human limits, the present specimen will certainly impress the collectors of vintage icons.

  • 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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823

Ref. 6610
A very rare, attractive and well-preserved stainless steel wristwatch with gilt dial, center seconds and bracelet, retailed by K.W.Co

Circa 1957
36mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$240,000 - 340,000 
€25,200-35,700
$30,800-43,600

Sold for HK$504,000

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