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Rolex
Ref. 6062
An incredibly rare and exceptionally well-preserved stainless steel triple calendar wristwatch with moonphases and bracelet
Full-Cataloguing
- Triple calendar with moonphases
- Reference 6062 is one of two Rolex models to feature a triple calendar complication with a moon phase complication
- Preserved in excellent condition with crisp engravings throughout and a beautifully preserved dial
Launched at the Basel Fair in 1950, reference 6062 was the first automatic wristwatch with date and moonphase to be housed in a waterproof case by Rolex. Produced in stainless steel, yellow gold, and pink gold, the model was offered with a variety of dial variants.
Reference 6062 is one of only two Rolex models to feature a triple calendar with moonphase complication. While the ref. 6062 is fitted with a screw-down Oyster caseback, its sibling, the ref. 8171, features a snap-on caseback. Widely regarded by leading Rolex connoisseurs as among the best-preserved stainless steel ref. 6062 examples to appear on the market in recent years, the present watch represents an absolutely exceptional specimen.
The dial displays numerous characteristics associated with originality and outstanding preservation. Featuring Arabic numerals at 3 and 9 o’clock, it is finished in an attractive two-tone configuration with an ivory grené outer ring, providing remarkable contrast and depth. The angled day and date apertures further attest to the dial’s originality, as does the crisp junction between the moonphase aperture and the rim of the subsidiary dial. The outer date ring is correct, while the printing displays the inky blue hue expected on original examples. The typography is equally correct, with the characteristic open “6” and “9” numerals.
The case itself is a sight to behold. Preserved in impressive condition, it retains completely original lines, curves, and finishes, perfectly illustrating the factory specifications of this mythical reference. The numbers between the lugs remain exceptionally crisp. Even the waterproof Oyster caseback still bears the “Modèle Déposé” and “Registered Design” engravings on its exterior, interspersed with the characteristic curved rectangular motif. The watch furthermore retains its original Brevet crown.
During the period, stainless steel wristwatches were often purchased for everyday use. This was particularly true for the ref. 6062, as stainless steel examples retailed for significantly less than their yellow gold counterparts and were therefore not considered as “valuable” at the time. As a result, many surviving examples are no longer preserved in their original form, having been heavily polished or damaged through regular wear. Today, only a handful remain in such well-preserved condition, and when they do appear at auction they frequently command record-breaking results.
Examples like the present watch, retaining full proportions and sharp facets, are truly extraordinary.
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.