Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE Hong Kong Monday, November 25, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1965
    Reference No: 1625
    Movement No: D723’754
    Case No: 1’219’038
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Lizard
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Dial, case, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Datejust has witnessed many variations since its initial launch. The “Thunderbird” is amongst one of the rare birds that feature a rotating bezel in the long lineage of the Rolex Datejust. As Rolex’s first ever pilot’s watch, the originally named “Turn-O-Graph” watch was referred to as “Thunderbird” when it was introduced to the US market to capitalize on the partnership with the US military dating back to the 1950’s.

    The present example is a beautiful example of a Rolex “Thunderbird” in yellow gold and further charmed by a rare diamond-indexed dial. Presented in excellent overall condition, the present example is a fantastic opportunity for collectors to acquire a luxurious wristwatch with a military background.

  • 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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Σ1038

Ref. 1625
A fine and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with date sweep center seconds, diamond indexes and yellow gold rotating bezel

Circa 1965
36mm Diameter
Dial, case, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$50,000 - 80,000 
€5,700-9,100
$6,400-10,300

Sold for HK$56,250

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE

Hong Kong Auction 25-26 November 2019