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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2007
    Reference No: 16570
    Movement No: 0’740’435
    Case No: Z553’848, 19/139
    Model Name: Explorer II “SRR”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3185, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 175mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “OP12”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Rolex London for Special Reconnaissance Regiment dated October 2007, instruction manual, product literature, Special Reconnaissance Regiment Rolex Time Piece Certificate, green card holder, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570 was launched in 1989 and enjoyed a long production run for 22 years. The present timepiece is not just an ordinary example of the celebrated model but in fact belongs to one of the rarest examples of the model hailing from the SRR commissioned editions. Instituted by the United Kingdom in 2005, the Special Reconnaissance Regiment provides the Queen and other sensitive targets with protection, especially against acts of terrorism.

    Specially commissioned two Rolex models were selected – Submariner ref. 16610 and Explorer II ref. 16570 – were made as limited editions each numbered on the caseback underneath the engraved crest of the Special Reconnaissance Regiment. While Rolex has had an extensive history of military watches, the SRR timepieces were perhaps the only models that were numbered on the case. Furthermore, these rare timepieces are issued with a limited edition certification issued jointly by Rolex and the SRR indicating the limited edition number, recipient’s name, service number and rank.

    The present example Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570 with a black dial features the rare and desirable engraved caseback made for the SRR numbered 19 of a limited edition of 139 pieces. Offered in excellent overall condition with very minimal wear, it is further accompanied by its original guarantee card stamped Rolex London for the Special Reconnaissance Regiment and it is also complete with the limited edition certificate jointly issued by the regiment and Rolex.

  • 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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980

Ref. 16570
A very fine and rare stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with center seconds, date, 24-hour indication, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box, numbered 19 of a limited edition of 139 pieces, made for the UK Special Reconnaissance Regiment

Circa 2007
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$115,000 - 200,000 
€12,300-21,400
$14,700-25,600

Sold for HK$378,000

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