Rolex - The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT New York Saturday, June 10, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1966
    Reference No: 1675
    Movement No: 147’654
    Case No: 1’533’799; inside caseback stamped II.66
    Model Name: GMT-Master
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1560, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex riveted Oyster bracelet, approximate length 205mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp, stamped 1.67
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex introduced the now iconic GMT-Master dual time wristwatch in 1954 with the reference 6542, which they developed in conjunction with Pan American Airways so their personnel could tell both “local” and “home” time while traveling. With the introduction of the jet engine, intercontinental travel became more common and commercially available thus both flight staff and traveling executives needed a means to monitor time as they traveled across multiple time zones. Rolex created an ingenious method using a rotating Bakelite bezel that worked in conjunction with a fourth, 24-hour center hand permitting the wearer to clearly keep track of two time zones. By 1959, Rolex upgraded the model and introduced the new reference 1675, which now had crown guards to prevent damage to the crown, and the fragile Bakelite bezel insert was replaced with a more resilient metal insert.

    Offered by an important American collector, the present example displays many of the desirable traits of an early iteration of the reference 1675 GMT-Master: a small arrow tipped 24-hour hand, glossy lacquer dial, and gilt printing. Most notably, the dial is preserved in spectacular condition, without any kind of mark or scratch. The luminous material followed suit, gaining an immensely attractive light caramel hue. The case retains strong proportions, and the bracelet features a hand-etched inventory number matching that of the case. The bezel has faded most attractively to a pale red-orange and light azure hue.

    Highly desirable, the present 1675 is an ideal acquisition for those missing the perfect vintage daily wearer in their collection.

  • 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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13

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 1675
A well-preserved and attractive stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with black lacquer gilt dial and bracelet

Circa 1966
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.

Estimate
$12,000 - 24,000 
CHF10,800-21,600
€11,100-22,200
HK$93,800-188,000
S$16,100-32,300

Sold for $19,050

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: EIGHT

New York Auction 10 - 11 June 2023