Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV Hong Kong Monday, November 28, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1964
    Reference No: 1601
    Movement No: D41’680
    Case No: 1’044’371
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: 14K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1560, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    A world premiere, the Rolex Datejust was first released in 1945 via the ref. 4467 being the first ever self-winding wristwatch with a date function. Made to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the firm, the Datejust quickly gained a cult-like following being one of the most iconic timepieces in the history of Rolex. Over the years, the design of the Datejust has remained consistent with upgrades implemented to enhance its practicality and robustness.

    The Datejust ref. 1601 was first released in the late 1950s featuring a 36mm diameter case and equipped with cal. 1560. While it was released with examples in stainless steel and gold, a wide array of dial variations were made available.

    The present Rolex Datejust ref. 1601 from circa 1964 belongs to a rare version cased in 14K yellow gold fitted with a desirable glossy black dial with gilt texts. Offered in attractive overall condition boasting a nice dial with excellent luster, the present example is a handsome example of an iconic vintage Datejust.

  • 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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849

Ref. 1601
A very attractive and rare 14K yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, date and glossy black dial

Circa 1964
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$55,000 - 100,000 
€6,500-11,900
$7,100-12,800

Sold for HK$176,400

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV

28 - 29 November 2022 (Online Registration ends 27 Nov, 2pm HKT)