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

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1991
    Reference No: 16570
    Case No: X’888’187
    Model Name: Explorer II
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3185, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference 78360, end links stamped 501B, max length approx. 210mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp, reference 78360, stamped S4
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Debuting in 1989, the reference 16570 Explorer II remained in production for over two decades, far exceeding the tenure of its predecessor, the reference 16550. It houses the upgraded caliber of 3185, with later examples featuring the caliber 3186.

    Rugged and robust, the reference 16570 retained the design codes of the original Explorer II with its 24-hour hand and bezel with the 24-hour markings, with the case and movement updated to increase reliability and robustness. Offered by an important American collector, this discontinued icon with classic proportions is sure to be an excellent candidate for a daily wearing timepiece.

  • 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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97

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 16570
A sporty stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with date, bracelet, and 24-hour indication

Circa 1991
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.

Estimate
$3,000 - 6,000 
CHF2,700-5,400
€2,800-5,500
HK$23,500-46,900
S$4,000-8,100

Sold for $7,620

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