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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1973
    Reference No: 1601
    Movement No: D345’578
    Case No: 3’500’640, inside caseback stamped 1601
    Model Name: Datejust “Wide Boy”
    Material: Two tone stainless steel and 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Two tone stainless steel and 18K yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Datejust ref. 1601 was released in 1959, and was the first model to encase the cal. 1565 for early examples. Later examples were upgraded with the cal. 1570. The series was released with a total of 6 references with each determining the configuration of the case material and finish.

    The present example Rolex Datejust ref. 1601 from circa 1973 in two tone stainless steel and yellow gold is fitted with a champagne colored non-luminous “wide boy” dial matching perfectly with the yellow gold portion of the case.

  • 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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Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 1601
A fine two tone stainless steel and yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, date, bracelet and presentation box

Circa 1973
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$16,000 - 32,000 
€1,700-3,400
$2,100-4,100

Sold for HK$40,320

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