Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo will present “Rolex Milestones: 38 Legendary Watches That Shaped History”, an evening sale dedicated to the world renowned brand Rolex.
Image: ROLEX A highly rare, unique and exceptional yellow gold square wristwatch with cloisonné enamel dial depicting Neptune and heavy bracelet, reference 4645, circa 1953.
The sale will offer exceptionally rare and important watches that represent milestones throughout the brand’s history. For the very first time, Phillips invited John Goldberger, the internationally celebrated and respected horological scholar, author and historian, to curate this auction. In addition, Pucci Papaleo and his team were contracted for catalogue design and all photography. Comprising 38 lots, the sale includes some of the most important vintage Rolex watches available anywhere in the world today. Some of the finest watches in terms of quality and condition are represented including the iconic Daytonas, world renowned tool watches, rare diver’s watches, Oyster chronographs, non-Oyster chronographs and time only watches. The auction will take place at the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong on 28 November 2016.
Sam Hines, International Head of Watches and Deputy Chairman of Asia, “Asia has quickly transformed into one of the leading markets for watches in the world. In the past two years, we have seen a significant appetite from Asian collectors for vintage pieces. One brand that has really captured the hearts of the Asian collecting community is Rolex. Phillips has collaborated with the world famous John Goldberger, Pucci Papaleo and his team of highly skilled individuals to create an exciting and cutting edge sale. Myself, Aurel Bacs, Livia Russo and our international team of specialists are proud to hold an auction of this calibre in Asia.”
Rolex Milestones 38 Legendary Watches That Shaped History
Rolex Divers’ Watches
For over half a century the Rolex diver’s watch represented the ultimate watch tool, the faithful companion to generations of scuba divers, a timepiece constantly imitated and worn with the same passion by both gentlemen and ladies. This sale presents a rare example commissioned by the Sultan of Oman.
An exceptionally rare stainless steel reference 1665 wristwatch with date, ‘Khanjar’ dial, bracelet, guarantee and box, made for the Sultan of Oman and retailed by Asprey, circa 1972
Estimate: HKD 1,600,000 – 3,200,000 (USD 200,000 – 400,000)
Rolex Oyster
The Rolex Oyster was conceived to produce a timepiece with varying case designs, whilst making the watch water-resistant where each part of the case screws tight, like an oyster. The present highlight includes the original dial and is one of the best-preserved examples of the reference.
An exceptionally fine, rare and important yellow gold triple calendar reference 6062 wristwatch with star-set numerals, moon phases and bracelet, circa 1952
Estimate: HKD 2,400,000 – 4,800,000 (USD 300,000 – 600,000)
Rolex Non-Oyster
This area of Rolex manufacture contains a great variety of watch models dedicated to the art of watchmaking. Preserved in museum condition, this particular watch features an intricate cloisonné enamel square dial.
A highly rare, unique and exceptional yellow gold square reference 4645 wristwatch with cloisonné enamel dial depicting Neptune and heavy bracelet, circa 1953
Estimate: HKD 4,000,000 – 8,000,000 (USD 500,000 – 1,000,000)
Rolex Oyster Chronograph
First introduced in the 1940s, the Oyster Chronograph has evolved over the past almost 80 years and represents the forefront of the demand of Rolex production.
A highly exceptional pink gold Spanish triple calendar chronograph reference 6036 wristwatch with two-tone dial, bracelet and guarantee, retailed by Serpico Y Laino, circa1951
Estimate: HKD 2,000,000 – 4,000,000 (USD 250,000 – 500,000)
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
In production for over 50 years, the Daytona has evolved into a Rolex icon and it is arguably the most popular watch on the market today.
A fine and highly attractive stainless steel chronograph reference 6263 wristwatch with ‘Paul Newman’ dial, ‘tropical’ outer minute track, bracelet and guarantee, circa 1971
Estimate: HKD 2,800,000 – 5,600,000 (USD 350,000 – 700,000)
Auctions:
20th Century & Contemporary Art & Design Evening Sale, 27 November 2016, 7pm HKT
Jewellery and Jadeite, 28 November 2016, 2:30pm HKT
Rolex Milestones: 38 Legendary Watches that Shaped History, 28 November 2016, 8pm HKT
The Hong Kong Watch Auction: Three, 29 November, 3pm and 7pm HKT
Location: Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong
