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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1994
    Reference No: 16610
    Movement No: 6’766’874
    Case No: S584’300; inside caseback stamped “16610”
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “93150”, endlinks stamped “501B”, max length 175mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “T2”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex Japan Service guarantees, Rolex Japan Service invoices, blank Tiffany & Co. warranty, 1995-1996 calendar card, product literature, leather passport holder, leather card holder, Tiffany & Co. pouch, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Debuted in 1987, the Rolex Submariner ref. 16610 was considered to be the mark of the modern era for the Submariner family. Replacing its short-lived sibling ref. 168000 the model sporting a glossy black dial with white gold surround luminous indexes features a new calibre 3135 with superior stability and longer power reserve and a depth rating up to 1000ft. The reference enjoyed a long run of 23 years and was discontinued in 2010 making way for the updated ref. 116610. Produced in circa 1994, the present ref. 16610 embodies a rarefied status amongst its peers, inscribed above Submariner is the detail that excites collectors, the beloved retailer inscription of Tiffany & Co. Boasting a beautiful well-preserved bevels and lugs, the present example in an attractive overall condition is also well documented with its service guarantee and invoices from Rolex Japan.

    With the latest 41mm case upgrade of the new 2020 generation of Submariner reference 126610, the reference 16610 is a perfect chance for collectors to purchase a beautiful watch from the era that is fast becoming an icon in the Submariner date collection.

  • 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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905

Ref. 16610
A rare and fine stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, date, bracelet and presentation box, retailed by Tiffany & Co.

Circa 1994
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 200,000 
€13,300-22,200
$15,400-25,600

Sold for HK$302,400

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