Rolex - INTERSECT: Online Auction Hong Kong Thursday, September 16, 2021 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

    • Circa 2003

    • 40mm diameter

    • Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2003
    Reference No: 16570
    Movement No: 9’780’243
    Case No: Y916’518
    Model Name: Explorer II
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3185, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “78790A”, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped “AD5”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied with Rolex guarantee stamped M. William Serfaty & Co. LTD, Gibraltar dated 3rd August 2004, hangtag, numbered hang tag, 2003-2004 calendar card, green leather holder, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Part of the continuation of the Everest conquest, the Explorer II was launched in 1989 and had an impressive run of nearly 22 years of production before welcoming its successor 216570. Two variants were available, a black dial and a white polar dial like the present example.

    Acknowledged amongst the collectors to be one of the most undervalued sleeper by Rolex, the ref. 16570 not only boast an altitude of technical prowess but fine aesthetics with a salute to the passion for adventures.
    During the evolution of the reference, various luminous materials were used, from tritium on earlier examples made in circa 1989 to 1997 indicated by the “SWISS-T<25” at 6 o’clock position, to later examples bearing Luminova with “SWISS” only insignia from circa 1998-1999, and the final transition with Super-Luminova material indicated with “SWISS MADE” like this very example.

    The present example of the Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570 with a Y serial from circa 2003 is offered in superb overall condition boasting a strong case is accompanied with its full set accessories. Furthermore, the original green factory sticker still remains intact on the reverse. With the most recent launch of the new 42mm diameter Explorer II ref. 226570 in year 2021, the present 16570 boasting a classic proportion is a fantastic opportunity for collectors to acquire a discontinued exploration icon.

  • 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

Property from the Original Owner

66

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 16570
A fine stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with center seconds, date, 24-hour indication, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 2003
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$46,000 - 78,000 
€5,000-8,500
$5,900-10,000

Sold for HK$88,200

Contact Specialist

Hin Hin Wong
Associate Specialist, 20th Century & Contemporary Art, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2013
hinhinwong@phillips.com
 
Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

Charlene Lau
Head of Jewels, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2039
JewelleryHK@phillips.com

INTERSECT: Online Auction

Online Auction 16 - 23 September 2021