Rolex - Game Changers New York Tuesday, December 10, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2007
    Reference No: 16710B
    Case No: M317'121
    Model Name: GMT-Master II
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3186, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex clasp, stamped 78790A, EOS
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex green leather presentation box, Rolex guarantee dated March 19, 2008 and stamped O. C. Tanner, hang tag, Rolex envelope, product literature, and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex’s GMT-Master was one of the most revolutionary timepieces available when it was first released in 1954. The famed reference 6542 with Bakelite bezel set the standard for all other dual-time wristwatches that followed. Introduced at the dawn of the “Jet Age” and developed in collaboration with Pan-Am airlines, it featured an historic innovation that permitted travelers to simultaneously tell time at both their “home” and “local” destination. The model is so cherished by watch collectors and enthusiasts that sixty-five years after it was first introduced, it remains one of the brand’s top selling wristwatches. The GMT-Master evolved over the decades with design changes including the use of a metallic bezel in place of the fragile Bakelite bezel and the addition of crown guards. A major upgrade came with the introduction of the GMT-Master II in 1983, employing for the first time a quick-set hour hand that could easily be moved forwards and backwards.

    The present reference 16710 is one of the rarest of all GMT-Master II models due to several elements. A transitional model that preceded the use of ceramic bezels for the GMT Master II line, it’s fitted with what’s known as an “error dial”, or “stick” dial, and at the same time, features an upgraded caliber 3186 movement. The nickname “error dial” comes from a slight change in the script signature, with the “II” in the GMT-Master II text at 6 o’clock lacking the top and bottom horizontal lines for the Roman numeral “II” as was most often used. The caliber 3186 was an upgraded caliber with a Parachrom hairspring, and while it was for use in the new model GMT-Master 116710, these calibers were also found on late examples of the 16710 M series.

    The present M series reference 16710 remains absolutely unused and is particularly attractive with its pristine case, rare “error” dial, caliber 3186 movement, and original red and blue “Pepsi” bezel—a complete watch for the connoisseur who seeks an uncommon and rare modern sports watch.

  • 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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This Lot is to be Sold with No Reserve

2

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 16710B
A rare, new old stock, and exceptional stainless steel dual time wristwatch with rare dial type, bracelet, original guarantee and presentation box

Circa 2007
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed

Estimate
$8,000 - 16,000 
CHF8,000-15,900
€7,300-14,500
HK$62,600-125,000

Sold for $30,000

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Game Changers

New York Auction 10 December 2019