Rolex - WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century New York Thursday, October 26, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1953
    Reference No: 6062
    Movement No: N32’787
    Case No: 916’361
    Model Name: ‘Stelline’
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 9 ¾’’’, 19 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet, max. length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold Rolex folding deployant clasp stamped 2 51
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Literature: For another example of a yellow gold reference 6062 with star dial, please see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, page 89.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Elegant, classic, cool; there is probably no other mid-century wristwatch, which so easily defines the term iconic, than Rolex’s 6062. Launched in 1950, and produced for only a handful of years, the reference was available in stainless steel, yellow and pink gold, and sold with several dial types. The faceted star dial, as seen on the present watch, is one of the most rare and sought after, and enhances its overall appeal. Rolex considered the model a top-of-the-line timepiece, with an in-house automatic movement, and upgraded with a full calendar and moon phase indication. Collectors were so taken with the model they nicknamed it “Stelline”, Italian for ‘starlet’. The 6062 is one of only two vintage Rolex models offered with the combination of calendar and moon phases, the other reference 8171 featured a snap on case back, and not the Oyster case found on the 6062 reference. When introduced, the 6062 was groundbreaking, as it was the first automatic watch with triple calendar and moonphase housed in a water-resistant case.

    The “Stelline” is masculine and sporty, in yellow gold with the star dial, there is a cool elegance that portrays a high degree of sophistication. In excellent overall condition, the case retains its sharp hallmark, and has developed a lovely patina indicating it has spent many of its years mostly unworn. It is accompanied with a period and model correct 18-karat yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet manufactured by Gay Frères, which further enhances its appeal. The present example, in its original, unrestored state of preservation, is a wonderful addition to any collection of distinction. And, indeed, an opportunity that the most demanding and educated collectors of vintage wristwatches should not miss.

  • 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. 6062
An extremely fine, rare, and important yellow gold triple calendar wristwatch with star dial, moon phase indication and bracelet.

1953
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
36mm diameter

Estimate
$250,000 - 500,000 
CHF244,000-487,000
€213,000-426,000
HK$1,950,000-3,900,000

Sold for $495,000

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century

New York Auction 26 October 2017