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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2000
    Reference No: 16234
    Movement No: 8’292’676
    Case No: A775’542
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet, endlinks stamped “555B”, max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Gomis Joyero dated 3rd August 2000, instruction manual, product literature, 2000-2001 calendar card, hang tags, green card holder, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Introduced first in the 1940s, the Rolex Datejust was the first self-winding wristwatch with a date function. Released only in yellow gold initially, the Datejust has witnessed a diverse range of iterations over the years. The stainless steel and two tone models were only released during the 1950s.

    Fast forward to contemporary times, Rolex introduced the ref. 16234 with an upgraded cal. 3135 and a significant implementation of the sapphire crystal replacing the former fragile Plexiglas.

    The present example Rolex Datejust ref. 16234 in stainless steel with an 18K white gold bezel and a mesmerizing blue sodalite dial with diamond-set indexes is a perfect example of the innovative approach for implementing exciting hardstone dials from the respective era. While every hardstone dial is unique in its own respect displaying various textures and mottling, the extreme delicacy to transforming a raw hardstone to a dial executed to Rolex’s high expectations is simply a craft on its own. Preserved in excellent condition and accompanied by its full set of accessories, the present timepiece is simply a delight to acquire.

  • 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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893

Ref. 16234
A fine and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, date, blue sodalite dial, white gold bezel, diamond-set indexes, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 2000
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$58,000 - 100,000 
€6,300-10,800
$7,400-12,800

Sold for HK$201,600

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