Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XI Hong Kong Saturday, November 28, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Crica 1953
    Reference No: 6350
    Movement No: 22’954
    Case No: 955’899, inside case back stamped IV.53
    Model Name: Explorer
    Material: Stainless Steel
    Calibre: Automatic, ca. H100, 2 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Officially launched in 1953, the ref. 6350 were offered mostly with a glossy black dial with gilt text and chapter ring. However, Rolex produced in very small quantities another variant featuring a textured surface known as the ‘honeycomb’ dial. Emitting a completely new look compared with its regular counterpart, the honeycomb dials had a matte appearance with a ‘waffle-like’ texture on the surface.

    One of the main objective in creating the Explorer was having good dial legibility. Radium was thus applied to the dial, with the iconic '3-6-9' numerals clearly recognizable. Unlike reference 6150, which bore ‘Precision’, reference 6350 was marked ‘Officially Certified Chronometer’, confirming the movement had been subject to stricter timing tests.


    The present example ref. 6350 from circa 1953 bearing a 955 thousand serial in between the lugs is offered in attractive overall condition boasting an impeccably well-preserved honeycomb dial. The gold Rolex and signature print is evidently prominent, along with the correct ‘Swiss’ dial with chapter ring, the Radium luminous material on the dial have developed an warm hue with high Radium readings.

  • 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

1007

Ref. 6350
A rare and fine stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds and ‘Explorer’ honeycomb dial

Crica 1953
36mm diameter
Case, dial and movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$155,000 - 310,000 
€16,700-33,400
$19,900-39,700

Sold for HK$277,200

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi

Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001

WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XI

Hong Kong Auction 29 November 2020