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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1969
    Reference No: 1802
    Movement No: DD668’119
    Case No: 1’910’174
    Model Name: Day-Date, "The Sechseläuten"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1556, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 76, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp, stamped 4.69
    Literature: The present watch is featured on page 252 in Day-Date, The Presidential Rolex, by Pucci Papaleo, 2015.

  • Catalogue Essay

    With the release of the Day-Date model in 1956, Rolex introduced a wristwatch that has become one of the most iconic timepieces today. Cherished by collectors around the world, it was the first automatic waterproof chronometer watch with instantaneously changing date and fully spelled out day in an aperture at the 12 position.

    As with all Rolex models, the Day-Date evolved gracefully over time, accommodating upgraded movements and subtle design changes. It has been produced with different
    dial styles, from soleil to the highly sought after colored “stella” dials, sporting gem-set and pavé diamond dials. Available today in both a 36mm diameter case and a 40mm diameter case, Rolex’s creativity has been best expressed through its Day-Date product line. Most often featuring fluted bezels, smooth bezels like that found on the present watch are rare and quite sought after. The reference 1802, with polished bezel, was first introduced in 1963, and was available in platinum, yellow, white and pink gold.

    The present reference 1802 is an exceptional example, immortalized in Pucci Papaleo’s tome, The Rolex Day- Date. Named “Sechseläuten”, it’s a noteworthy example with its rarely seen Beyer-signed dial and German calendar. Making it even more distinctive, it’s fitted on its original Oyster-style bracelet with correct endlinks – a rare option adding to its desirability. Upon examining its outstanding state of preservation, it becomes obvious why this ref. 1802 was chosen by Pucci Papaleo as one of the most beautiful Day-Dates known. In lovely original condition, the watch remains unpolished with strong proportions, and crisp lug bevels. The combination of all these elements results in a strikingly wonderful Day- Date wristwatch for the collector.

  • 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. 1802
A rare and fine yellow gold calendar wristwatch with smooth bezel and bracelet, retailed by Beyer

1969

Estimate
$12,000 - 24,000 
CHF12,000-23,900
€10,900-21,800
HK$94,000-188,000

Sold for $27,500

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