Property of a Japanese Collector
95
Rolex
Ref. 6426, repeated inside caseback and stamped “IV.70”
Oyster Precision “White Commando”
A rare and well-preserved stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds and bracelet
- Estimate
- HK$40,000 - 80,000€4,600 - 9,200$5,100 - 10,300
HK$139,700
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- Circa 1971
- Reference No
- 6426, repeated inside caseback and stamped “IV.70”
- Case No
- 2’640’386
- Model Name
- Oyster Precision “White Commando”
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 1225, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel Rolex folded Oyster bracelet, endlinks stamped “257”, max length 190mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “3, 71”
- Dimensions
- 35mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
What sets this particular example apart is its distinctive dial. Nicknamed the "White Commando," it is reminiscent of the ref. 6429 Commando, which features a black dial. The present watch also has an "Explorer-type" dial with applied Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock. This rare configuration adds a touch of sporty flair to the otherwise dressy aesthetic of the Precision line. Over time, the dial has developed a warm, creamy patina, further enhancing the vintage charm of this piece. Paired with the original folded Oyster bracelet, we are extremely proud to offer the "White Commando" for the first time at Phillips.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded 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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