Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1963
    Reference No: 1675, repeated inside caseback and stamped “I.63”
    Movement No: D40’067
    Case No: 874'862
    Model Name: GMT-Master
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1560, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex riveted Oyster bracelet stamped “7206”, endlinks stamped “80”, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped “1.64”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed, caseback inscribed “A.H. HAMLAN”
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex blank chronometer certificate, product literature, 1 additional link and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present example circa 1963 is one of the most captivating 1675 examples available on the market. It showcases a stunning gilt black lacquer dial that remains exceptionally well-preserved, as if it has been kept in a time capsule. Notably, this dial features the extremely rare "underline" above the 6 o'clock index. Rolex collectors and historians speculate that this underline signifies a transitional period during which Rolex began using tritium instead of radium for the luminescent material on the dial. Additionally, the early case design exhibits pointed crown guards, a rare characteristic until 1.1 million serial.

    This early 1675 is in excellent overall condition, with luminous hour markers that have aged gracefully to a warm ivory hue. The red section of the “Pepsi” bezel has also aged beautifully to an attractive orange tone. Accompanied by a blank certificate and presentation box, they further enhances the collectability of this beauty. It ultimately serves as a splendid representation of these transitional models, exemplifying the evolution of one of Rolex's most iconic tool watches, which continues to be produced to this day.

  • 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

1003

Ref. 1675, repeated inside caseback and stamped “I.63”
A very well-preserved, attractive and rare stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with center seconds, date, gilt underline 'Swiss' dial, pointed crown guards, bracelet, certificate and presentation box

Circa 1963
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed, caseback inscribed “A.H. HAMLAN”

Estimate
HK$200,000 - 400,000 
€23,400-46,800
$25,600-51,300

Sold for HK$330,200

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX

Hong Kong Auction 23 - 24 November 2024