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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1956
    Reference No: 6610, inside caseback stamped II.56
    Movement No: DN654’219
    Case No: 768’395
    Model Name: Explorer
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1030, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “7206”, endlinks stamped “75”, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “1,65”
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Explorer was first introduced in 1953 after the successful ascent to Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzig Norgay. Featuring an iconic 3-6-9 dial, the Explorer featured a 36mm diameter Oyster screw-back case. In 1956, Rolex officially released the ref. 6610, with some claiming that the present reference is the first “true” Explorer reference. With an upgraded cal. 1030 replacing its former cal. A296, the new caliber was the firm’s first in-house designed and built caliber and it was chronometer certified.

    The present example Rolex Explorer ref. 6610 from circa 1956 is presented in nice overall condition.

  • 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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1008

Ref. 6610, inside caseback stamped II.56
A fine and rare stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, bracelet and presentation box

Circa 1956
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$93,000 - 160,000 
€10,000-17,200
$11,900-20,500

Sold for HK$113,400

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