Rolex - Intersect: Online Auction Hong Kong Tuesday, September 1, 2020 | Phillips

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    • Circa 2000

    • 36mm diameter

    • Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2000
    Reference No: 16234
    Case No: P723’165
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: 18K white gold and stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet, endlinks stamped “555B”, max length 205mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “DE3”
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Datejust first appeared in 1945 via the ref. 4467 and was the first automatic wristwatch with a date function to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the firm. The Rolex Datejust continues to be an important and essential model in the Rolex catalogues even till date. In 1988, Rolex introduced the Datejust ref. 16234 upgraded with the new caliber 3135. Aesthetically speaking, the new model looked pretty much identical to the old, however the addition of the sapphire crystal was perhaps the most notable and practical upgrade for the present reference.

    The present example in stainless steel with a white gold fluted bezel is further charmed by a beautiful and electrifying blue sodalite hardstone dial. Heightening the rarity of the reference to a whole new level, the intricate craftsmanship behind the dial requires meticulous procedures to execute due to the natural composition of the material. Measuring a 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale of hardness, sodalite has distinctive white mottling that can be tough to cut around without breaking the material in half during the creation of the dial. The present example is offered in excellent overall condition and has likely never seen a wrist as well as retaining its caseback sticker. A perfect timepiece for the weekend summer cruise around Repulse Bay.

  • 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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Ref. 16234
An attractive and well-preserved stainless steel and white gold wristwatch with center seconds, date, blue sodalite dial, diamond-set indexes with caseback sticker, bracelet and box

Circa 2000
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$55,000 - 110,000 
€6,000-12,000
$7,100-14,100

Sold for HK$118,750

Contact Specialist

Delissa Handoko

Associate Specialist, Head of Online Sales, Hong Kong, 20th Century & Contemporary Art

+852 2318 2013

DHandoko@phillips.com

 

Thomas Perazzi

Head of Watches, Asia

+852 2318 2001

WatchesHK@phillips.com

 

Yoki Chan

Junior Specialist, Jewels, Hong Kong

+852 2318 2036

JewelleryHK@phillips.com

Intersect: Online Auction

Online Auction 2 - 14 September 2020