Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII Hong Kong Friday, November 24, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2009
    Reference No: 116710LN
    Movement No: 2'708'0460
    Case No: V’395’892
    Model Name: GMT-Master II
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3186, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, endlinks stamped “78200”, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “PJ7”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Rolex London addressed to E. Clapton dated June 2009, green card holder, hang tags and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    “I cannot think of a more wonderful gift to receive for my Birthday. I did not know that my son Paul could sing; write music, or lyrics for such music. What a surprise and delight.” he said.

    A special present gifted to a father for his 70th birthday titled “Fly Free” written by his son, Paul. With lyrics “If you fly with crows, you’ll get shot at…”, it was an anecdote shared from father to son, a reminder to spend time wisely with the right crowd in order to thrive free like an eagle. This was the wisdom that British Formula 1 legend, Jackie Stewart shared with his son, Paul Stewart.

    Nicknamed the “Flying Scot”, Sir Jackie Stewart needs no introduction, a three-time world champion British Formular One legend that hold his title since 1973 until Lewis Hamilton broke his record in 2015. His son, Paul Evan Stewart also followed the footstep of his father and formed Stewart Grand Prix, a team which competed in Formular One from 1997-1999.

    For the watch community, Jackie Stewart is also well-known for his love of the crowned brand that is strongly associated with motor racing, Rolex. For a man where a split second can make all the difference in defining a win or a loss, it is no wonder his confidence was placed in the Rolex brand throughout his career as F1 racing driver.

    Now, how might the present Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116710LN tie into this. A watch that seems ordinary at face value, the intriguing origin lies on the back of the timepiece.

    Engraved on its caseback “TO ERIC SO MANY THANKS PAUL 2009”, the story brings us even further to its previous owner, yet another legend amongst rock & roll and to the watch collecting community, Mr. Eric Clapton.

    As an acquaintance of the Stewart family, Paul invited Eric Clapton to take lead of the solo riff on the track that Paul wrote for this very special birthday present to his father. The song was recorded at The British Grove Studios in the Chiswhik neighbourhood, London where recordings from legends such as U2, The Rolling Stones, Sting, and Eric Clapton took place.

    As a gratitude of making this birthday present extra special, Paul Stewart gifted the Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116710LN as appreciation of his contribution. Published in Hodinkee’s My Watch Story featuring Matt Prior, British musician who also took part in the recording for “Fly Free” with his anecdote. Mr. Prior reveals that Paul Stewart also gifted him the same GMT-Master II, and on the back with the same engraving format “TO “ONLY MATT” SO MANY THANKS PAUL 2009”.

    A watch with incredible meaning, importance and provenance, the GMT-Master II marks a suitable choice for a man of intercontinental travel. Travelling and photographed numerous times on the wrist of Eric Clapton mingling on F1 racetracks, or while he was on tour rocking out “I shot the Sheriff” or “Wonderful Tonight”, this is easily one of the rarest find for collectors.

    A discontinued reference with such a close tie and moment of history and exceptional provenance, it is a remarkably unique opportunity for any watch collector that appreciates motorsport or a fan of classic English rock. Ready for any journey, whether it be domestic or foreign, this watch is a perfect match for a frequent traveler who enjoys a rugged aesthetic and beauty of the green hand GMT. It is completed with its original presentation box and guarantee with E. Clapton prominently written on top.

  • 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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868

Ref. 116710LN
An extremely rare and important stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with center seconds, date, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box, engraved “TO ERIC SO MANY THANKS PAUL 2009” gifted to Eric Clapton from Paul Stewart

Circa 2009
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$250,000 - 400,000 
€30,300-48,400
$32,100-51,300

Sold for HK$495,300

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII

Hong Kong Auction 24-25 November 2023