Rolex - TOKI: Watch Auction Hong Kong Friday, November 22, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2024
    Reference No: 124273
    Case No: D01628E4
    Model Name: Explorer “Error Dial”
    Material: Stainless steel and 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3230, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel and 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel and 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex international guarantee stamped dated 8th January 2024, leather card holder, instruction manual, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 2021, Rolex made a surprising move by introducing a new yellow gold and stainless steel variant of the Explorer I, which was seen as a departure from the model's traditionally more low-profile aesthetic.

    However, this particular example here is even more distinguished, as it features an upside-down index at the 9 o'clock position. This "error" occurred due to a quality control oversight at the Rolex factory, rendering this watch incredibly rare and valuable. The unique characteristic of the inverted 9 o'clock index sets this Explorer I apart from other examples, making it a highly coveted and potentially one-of-a-kind find for collectors.

  • 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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Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 124273
An extremely rare and unusual stainless steel and yellow gold wristwatch with “error dial”, center seconds, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 2024
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$63,000 - 110,000 

Sold for HK$114,300

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

TOKI: Watch Auction

Hong Kong Auction 22 November