Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1991
    Reference No: 16718, inside caseback stamped “16710”
    Movement No: 6’807’116
    Case No: X977’419
    Model Name: GMT-Master II
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3185, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet, endlinks stamped “47 B”, max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex concealed clasp stamped “8386”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The GMT-Master collection stands as an iconic symbol of Rolex, instantly recognizable and beloved by many, with its origins tracing back to the 1950s—a period marked by the rise of commercial air travel. Throughout its history, the collection has featured various case and bezel materials, and the current iteration boasts one of the most appealing combinations.

    Luxurious and sophisticated, the 18K yellow gold reference 16718, introduced in the late 1980s, is a majestic iteration of the GMT-Master II series. It incorporates the caliber 3185, the first in-house Rolex movement to feature an independently adjustable 24-hour hand, allowing the wearer to conveniently set an additional time zone.

    The present example showcases a luxurious and visually striking yellow gold case, complemented by a bronze dial and bezel that emanate incredible warmth. The gold printing on the dial pays homage to the gilt dials produced in the early days of the collection, adding a touch of vintage charm.

    With nearly 20 years of production for this reference, this timepiece circa 1991 is one of the earlier production specimens. Notably well-preserved, it represents the perfect luxury tool watch that any collector should seek.

  • 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

1020

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 16718, inside caseback stamped “16710”
A well-preserved, fine and rare yellow gold dual-time wristwatch with center seconds, date and bracelet

Circa 1991
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 200,000 
€14,200-23,600
$15,400-25,600

Sold for HK$190,500

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