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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1964
    Reference No: 1675
    Movement No: D83761
    Case No: 1'089'349
    Model Name: GMT-Master
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, 1560, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet, 170 mm. maximum length
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp stamped 4.63
    Dimensions: 39 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: With two Rolex undated Garanties, International Service Guarantee dated 10 November 2011, product literature, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
    Literature: For another example of an early reference 1675, please see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, page 193.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present watch is an early example of the reference 1675, and is very special for a number of reasons. Firstly, the watch features an exceptional case. The pointed crown guards, lovingly dubbed 'El Cornino' by Rolex enthusiasts, still retain their edges. The bevels are also still very sharp. Examples of reference 1675 fitted with pointed crown guards are incredibly rare, and Rolex scholars hypothesize that only very early examples carry this feature.

    Secondly, this watch features a glossy lacquer dial with gilt graphics, which is among the most collectable within the 1675 family.

    Thirdly, the watch retains its small tipped 24 hour hand - another indicator that the present watch is a very early variant of reference 1675. Finally, the numerals and hands have aged evenly to a beautiful cream color, and the bezel has faded to a light blue and orange tone. The bezel really gives this watch a lot of character and presence on the wrist.

    Rarer still, this watch is accompanied by its original bracelet and accessories, such as the guarantee papers, service card and fitted presentation box - attributes every collector looks for.

  • 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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1054

Ref. 1675
A rare stainless steel dual time wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, date, pointed crown guards, bracelet, original guarantee, fitted presentation box and outer packaging

Circa 1964
39 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$70,000 - 90,000 
€8,200-10,600
$8,700-11,000

Sold for HK$200,000

Hong Kong Watch Auction: THREE

Hong Kong Auction 29 November 2016