Rolex - Racing Pulse New York Saturday, December 12, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1964
    Reference No: 1601; inside caseback additionally stamped 1601
    Movement No: D923577
    Case No: 4’095’572
    Model Name: Datejust “Tiger’s Eye”
    Material: 18K yellow gold and tiger’s eye
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet, end links stamped 53, max length 220mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1945, Rolex’s Datejust model was originally called the Datejust Jubilee as a celebration of the renowned firm’s 40th anniversary. Over its long history, now spanning eight decades, the Datejust model, similar to the Day-Date, has been produced in many different variations; from different metal types to exotic dials and textured cases. In 1954, the Datejust would introduce the iconic cyclops date magnifier, an emblematic feature found on nearly all Rolex watches with a date aperture up to and including the present day.

    The reference 1601, such as the present watch, was in production from 1959 until 1977 and featured a fluted bezel along with the “pie-pan” style dial with outer sloping minute track. Rolex embellished their Datejusts and Day-Dates with additional flair and exuberance by creating delicate hard stone dials to replace the typical silvered dials. Only highest-quality semi-precious stones were sliced and fitted within precious metal (and in rare cases, stainless steel) Datejust cases. These hard stones include jasper, rubellite, coral, lapis lazuli, malachite, obsidian, opal, and ammonite, as well as tiger’s eye like the present lot.

    Vintage Datejusts such as these fitted with hard stone dials are difficult to find in such fantastic condition, with no inclusions or chips to the dial and beautiful even striations. This particular Datejust, with its lustrous tiger’s eye dial, is sure to be a trophy for any man or woman lucky enough to find it in their possession.

  • 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. 1601; inside caseback additionally stamped 1601
A stunning, rare, and well-preserved yellow gold wristwatch with tiger’s eye dial, date, and bracelet

Circa 1964
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.

Estimate
$12,000 - 18,000 
CHF11,000-16,500
€10,200-15,200
HK$93,000-140,000

Sold for $30,240

Contact Specialist

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

Racing Pulse

New York Auction 12 December 2020