Rolex - The New York Watch Auction: NINE New York Saturday, December 9, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1981
    Reference No: 16758, case interior stamped 16750
    Movement No: 0455995
    Case No: 6’530’707
    Model Name: GMT-Master “Tiffany & Co.”
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3075, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster link bracelet, end links stamped 45B, max overall length 210mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp stamped 7206
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed; dial signed by retailer
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Rolex guarantee stamped Tiffany & Co, Tiffany presentation box, hang tag, product literature, and outer Tiffany blue box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    With the growth of transatlantic flights and the golden age of air travel, Rolex collaborated with world-renowned Pan American Airways to develop a dual-time wristwatch to assist their pilots in combating the effects of jet lag while traveling through different time zones. As the successor to the first GMT-Master reference 6542, released in 1955 with the now iconic yet fragile blue and red Bakelite bezel, the reference 1675 was introduced in 1959 with a far more durable metallic bezel insert. Crown guards were also introduced with the reference 1675, serving the functional role of protecting the winding crown, which was also introduced the same year on the Submariner reference 5512.

    The reference 16758 was introduced in 1980 as the yellow gold variant of the newly released 16750 in stainless steel. Both featured the upgraded caliber 3075 with quick-set date mechanism and a depth rating of 100 meters. The yellow gold variant was a luxury evolution of the line and was the first GMT Master model to be fitted with a sapphire crystal as well as the first Rolex sports watch set with precious stones.

    The present example is an exciting and very rare find, enhanced by the signature of the prominent New York jeweler and retailer “Tiffany & Co” on the dial at six o’clock above the model name. Its bold brown dial and “nipple” luminous hour markers are well preserved, and the case remains in excellent condition with crisp hallmarks. Elevating its desirability, the watch is accompanied by its original Rolex warranty stamped Tiffany & Co. Double-signed dials are a rare find for any Rolex watch, and this stunning GMT-Master is a wonderful opportunity for a passionate 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.

    View More Works

95

Ref. 16758, case interior stamped 16750
A rare, fine, and well-preserved yellow gold dual-time wristwatch with date, bracelet, warranty, and presentation box, retailed by Tiffany & Co.

1981
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed; dial signed by retailer

Estimate
$40,000 - 80,000 
CHF36,000-72,000
€37,400-74,900
HK$312,000-625,000
S$54,400-109,000

Sold for $101,600

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman and 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: NINE

New York Auction 9 - 10 December 2023