Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII Hong Kong Thursday, November 25, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1954
    Reference No: 6305
    Movement No: 84’608
    Case No: 111’521, inside caseback repeated 6305
    Model Name: Datejust “Ovettone”
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. A296, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Lizard
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Datejust is arguably one of the most iconic timepieces ever produced. Making its milestone debut in the mid-1940s, the Datejust was the first ever self-winding wristwatch with a date function by Rolex. With its design deriving from the cherished “bubblebacks” from the late 1930s and early 1940s, the Datejust was nicknamed the “Ovettone” or “Big Bubbleback” due to its bulging caseback designed for early self-winding calibers such as the A296.

    Although the earliest Datejust references did not feature the “DATEJUST” insignia on the dial as Rolex were experimenting with various model names such as Jubilee, Victory and Ritedate, it was in the 1950s, that the watch was officially crowned as the Datejust.

    Released in 1953, the ref. 6305 and its sister ref. 6304 (smooth bezel) replaced the short-lived ref. 6104 and 6105 which was only in production for two years from 1951 to 1953. Produced in stainless steel, yellow gold and rare examples in other gold alloys, it is also important to notice that 1953 marked a pivotal year for the firm as it was also the birth of the coveted Submariner.

    The present example Rolex Datejust ref. 6305 in its rare and attractive pink gold case from circa 1954 features an attractive white dial with fancy applied gold indexes that mimics the shape of a paper plane. Another interesting feature is its roulette date wheel indicating even numbers in red and odd numbers in black. Well-preserved, the watch was probably only worn not more than a handful of times throughout its lifetime.

  • 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

Σ1038

Ref. 6305
A very fine, rare and attractive pink gold wristwatch with center seconds, roulette date and presentation box

Circa 1954
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 260,000 
€17,800-28,900
$20,500-33,300

Sold for HK$252,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII

Hong Kong Auctions 25-26 November 2021