Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips

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  • Condition Report

  • Description

    View our Conditions of Sale.

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1983
    Reference No: 16018, inside caseback stamped “16000”
    Movement No: 0'659'179
    Case No: 8'058'803
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3055, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The ref. 16018 marked a significant milestone as the first Datejust to feature a sapphire crystal. Encased in 18K yellow gold and adorned with a deep, captivating lapis lazuli dial, the present timepiece epitomizes elegance. Lapis lazuli, renowned for its vibrant hues, has been treasured by Ancient Egyptian and Roman rulers, as well as Renaissance painters like Vermeer. In this timepiece, Rolex skillfully combines the majestic allure of lapis lazuli with a complementary yellow gold case, resulting in a motif of timeless luxury.

    Each lapis lazuli dial is unique in appearance due to the naturally occurring calcite and pyrite deposits within the stone. The present timepiece is in superb condition, boasting a very well-preserved dial with subtle hints of pyrite flecks. Its case is exceptionally well kept, showcasing sharp edges and minimal signs of wear. It is worth noting that while stone dials are often associated with the Day-Date model, they are rarer to find on a Datejust, making this timepiece even more special.

  • 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

Σ1030

Ref. 16018, inside caseback stamped “16000”
A well-preserved, fine and very rare yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, date and lapis lazuli dial

Circa 1983
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 240,000 
€14,400-28,700
$15,400-30,800

Place Advance Bid
Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024