Rolex - Hong Kong Watch Auction: THREE Hong Kong Monday, November 28, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1950
    Reference No: 5018
    Movement No: N89661
    Case No: 670'657
    Model Name: 'Bubble Back'
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Black calf leather strap
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt Rolex buckle
    Dimensions: 33 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    This charming 'bubble back' is fitted with unusual bombe lugs, giving the case a very interesting appearance. The watch is furthermore fitted with a black lacquer dial and unusual numeral markers, really evoking the varied and creative aesthetic of Rolex in the 1950s. There is furthermore a strong hallmark under the crown, attesting to the original condition of this wonderful time piece.

  • 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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Σ1043

Ref. 5018
A rare yellow gold wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, black lacquer dial and bombe case

Circa 1950
33 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$30,000 - 50,000 
€3,500-5,900
$3,700-6,200

Sold for HK$42,500

Hong Kong Watch Auction: THREE

Hong Kong Auction 29 November 2016