Rolex - Hong Kong: Watches Online Auction I Hong Kong Thursday, July 21, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2003
    Reference No: 16234
    Case No: Y517’172
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet, endlinks stamped “555B”, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “DT10”
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Precision Watch Co., LTD Hong Kong dated 20th November 2003, instruction manual, product literature, 2002-2003 calendar card, green card holder, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Datejust has been an icon since its initial launch in the 1940s being the world’s first ever self-winding waterproof wristwatch with a date window on the dial. Today, the model continues to thrive becoming one of the signatures from the firm. In 1988, Rolex released the ref. 16234 featuring the manufacturer’s upgraded cal. 3135. Furthermore, it was the first from its model to feature a robust sapphire crystal replacing the former Plexiglas.

    The present example Rolex Datejust ref. 16234 features the desirable and rare blue sodalite dial. Hardstone dials are among collectors favourite due to the uniqueness of each individual example and the precision it requires to execute. Set with 11 brilliant-cut diamonds as indexes, the present “new-old-stock” example features a case retaining its original factory protective stickers and the green sticker on the caseback. Offered with its full set of accessories, the present example from circa 2003, is a must have for lovers of the 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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827

Ref. 16234
A fine, attractive and “new-old-stock” stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, date, blue sodalite dial, diamond-set indexes, white gold bezel, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 2003
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$79,000 - 120,000 
€9,600-14,600
$10,100-15,400

Sold for HK$151,200

Contact Specialist

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

Hong Kong: Watches Online Auction I

21-27 July 2022 (Registration ends 6pm HKT 26 July)