Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1989
    Reference No: 1016, repeated inside caseback
    Movement No: D667’580
    Case No: L793’114
    Model Name: Explorer
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “78360”, endlinks stamped “580”, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “M12” and “78360”
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Tiffany & Co. dated 12th June 1990, international service guarantee dated 25th March 2020, 2 service invoices, service booklet, traveling pouch, Tiffany & Co. fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In production from 1963 until 1989, the ref. 1016 holds the record as the longest-running Explorer model. The present example is one of the rare last pieces to leave the Rolex factory with an L serial number before discontinuation in 1989. Notably, discerning collectors will appreciate the highly coveted "Tiffany & Co." signature on the dial, which is very rarely seen in the market.

    What is even more important and that this watch is accompanied by the original accessories, including the guarantee stamped by Tiffany & Co., the fitted presentation box, and outer packaging signed by the legendary American jeweler. Furthermore, the watch has been serviced by Rolex twice in its lifetime, with accompanying documentation.

    An utterly rare opportunity, this full set example is presented in excellent overall condition, complete with the green factory caseback sticker still adhered. It represents the perfect collectible that highlights the collaboration between Rolex and Tiffany & Co.

  • 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

847

Ref. 1016, repeated inside caseback
A very rare and well-preserved stainless steel double-signed wristwatch with center seconds, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box, retailed by Tiffany & Co.

Circa 1989
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

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

Sold for HK$533,400

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