Rolex - The Beauty in Everything: Single Owner Online Auction Hong Kong Tuesday, November 29, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1977
    Reference No: 17013
    Case No: 4’495’153
    Model Name: Oysterquartz Datejust
    Material: Stainless steel and 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Quartz, cal. 5035, 11 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel and 18K yellow gold Rolex bracelet, stamped “17013 B”, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel and 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp, stamped “RS3” and “17013 B 18”
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex Service invoice dated 16th March 2021.

  • Catalogue Essay

    This is an unusual Oysterquartz as almost the entire watch has been replaced by Rolex with original, factory fresh parts. In effect, it is the ship of Theseus thought experiment in watch form. The sharp lines of the Oysterquartz case and bracelet are a joy to behold in this ultra crisp condition. - Mark Cho


    To the new owners of the watches in the sale: The Armoury will custom-make the winner one of The Armoury’s signature garments as a gift. For further details please visit the link below.

    More Details: https://www.thearmoury.com/the-beauty-in-everything-gifts


    - Towards the end of the 1970s, the Swiss watch industry was heavily affected due to the soaring popularity of the Japanese’ quartz watches that are not only accurate, but also budget friendly. To tackle the “Crisis”, Rolex joined the movement which resulted in the debut of the Oysterquartz Datejust ref. 17000 in 1977. After a 27-yearlong production, all iterations of the Oysterquartz models disappeared from the Rolex catalogue completely in 2004, with only less than 25,000 examples ever produced.

    - The present Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust ref. 17013 is an early and interesting example from circa 1977. Boasting a brilliant blue dial, the watch is dressed in a radiant two-tone livery that instantly brightens up its cool, dark visage. According to the original owner, Rolex was able to restore the timepiece to its former glory after being serviced by the manufacturer. Retaining its original movement, the current ref. 17013 is therefore offered in a sparking “like-new” condition, sporting crisp edges and sharp bevels.

  • 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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8036

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 17013
A fine and "like-new" stainless steel and yellow gold quartz wristwatch with center seconds, date, blue dial and bracelet

Circa 1977
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$30,000 - 60,000 
€3,700-7,400
$3,800-7,700

Sold for HK$81,900

Contact Specialist

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

The Beauty in Everything: Single Owner Online Auction

Online Auction 30 November - 6 December 2022