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 1977
    Reference No: 1601, repeated inside caseback
    Movement No: D913’942
    Case No: 5'216'348
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Datejust made its debut in 1945 with the ref. 4467, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the company. As the world's first waterproof automatic wristwatch featuring a date display at 3 o'clock, it garnered immediate acclaim upon its introduction. The ref. 1601 arrived on the scene in the 1950s, offering a range of metals, including stainless steel, two-tone, and gold, with fluted bezels and various case and bracelet options.

    In exceptional condition, the present example showcases a uber rare red jasper dial, a seldom-seen variation in the market. While most jasper dials are typically green, the brownish-red hue of this dial beautifully complements the luxurious 18K yellow gold case. The watch retains remnants of the original factory sticker on the case back, exemplifying its well-preserved nature. A timeless classic, this Datejust is sure to captivate even the most devoted Rolex collectors with its enduring style and unique dial.

  • 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

1031

Ref. 1601, repeated inside caseback
A well-preserved and very rare yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, date and red jasper dial

Circa 1977
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 320,000 
€19,200-38,400
$20,500-41,000

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