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

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1958
    Reference No: 6605
    Movement No: N754896
    Case No: 387'079
    Model Name: DateJust
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, 1030, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Brown leather strap
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle
    Dimensions: 35.5 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Literature: For another example of a reference 6605 however with champagne dial, please see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, page 160.

  • Catalogue Essay

    First launched in 1945, the DateJust is among Rolex's most popular models to date. This very early DateJust is fitted with a black lacquer 'Swiss' signed dial that has developed an attractive layer of patina over time. Still retaining its original plexi crystal, the present watch is correct and wonderful in so many ways. The case is preserved wonderfully, with sharp edges and a sharp hallmark to the case back. The case back furthermore retains its crisp milled finish. The luminous has aged to an attractive warm orange color, and is full and round in its proportions.

  • 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.

    View More Works

1045

Ref. 6605
A fine and rare yellow gold wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, date and black lacquer dial

Circa 1958
35.5 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

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

Sold for HK$41,250

Hong Kong Watch Auction: THREE

Hong Kong Auction 29 November 2016