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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1952
    Reference No: 6104
    Movement No: HF35’716, 56423
    Case No: 759’361
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. A296, 2 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, endlinks stamped “76”, max length 205mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “3.56”
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Datejust was introduced in 1945 at the end of World War II and was at the time the first-ever self-winding wristwatch with a date function. Taking its inspiration from the Rolex “bubblebacks” or “Ovettone” from the 1930s and early 1940s, the case of the Datejust is aesthetically similar due to its bulging caseback developed for the self-winding rotor. The very first Datejust reference launched was the ref. 4467 and was only produced in yellow gold.

    In 1951, Rolex introduced the refs. 6104 and 6105 featuring yet a similar case with its previous models though upgraded with the cal. A296. While both references were produced only in yellow gold and two tone stainless steel and yellow gold, the ref. 6104 featured a smooth bezel while the ref. 6105 featured a fluted bezel. Both references were discontinued in 1953 and was succeeded by the refs. 6304 and 6305.

    The present Rolex Datejust ref. 6104 from circa 1952 in 18K yellow gold is a stunner. Featuring an attractive glossy gilt black dial, it is also fitted with an 18K yellow gold riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet.

  • 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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Property from an Important Asian Collector

835

Ref. 6104
A very fine, attractive and very rare yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, roulette date, gilt dial and bracelet

Circa 1952
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$100,000 - 200,000 
€10,700-21,400
$12,800-25,600

Sold for HK$189,000

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