Rolex - Phillips & Blackbird: SPORTS Hong Kong Sunday, May 26, 2019 | 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 1947
    Reference No: 4500
    Case No: 533’629
    Model Name: Oyster Chronograph
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13’'', 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Rolex gold-plated buckle
    Dimensions: 35 mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Literature: Similar models are described and illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda by Pucci Papaleo Editore, pp. 206-221, and in 100 Years of Rolex by Franca and Guido Mondani

  • Catalogue Essay

    Conceived in the mid-1940s, the Rolex Oyster Chronograph ref. 4500 was the great grandfather of the modern Cosmograph Daytona model that we all treasure and admire today. From its debut, this highly attractive and charismatic model stood out from Rolex’s product lineup thanks to its clean design which seamlessly combine debonair flair with sporty chic.

    The launch of this reference 4500 chronograph introduced an all new case style with straighter, more pointed lugs that is until today, which can still be found on Rolex’s Oyster models today. The present ref. 4500 in 18K yellow gold is particularly a remarkable execution. The multi-scale dial features an eye-catching blue telemeter within the black tachometer scale found along its outer circumference. The case retains its well-defined lugs and original curves, boldly showcasing its original beauty.

  • 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

840

Ref. 4500
A very rare and attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with telemeter and tachymeter scales

Circa 1947
35 mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$310,000 - 560,000 
€35,700-64,500
$40,000-70,000

Sold for HK$475,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
thomasperazzi@phillips.com
+852 2318 2001
 

Phillips & Blackbird: SPORTS

Hong Kong Auction 27 May 2019