Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN Geneva Saturday, May 12, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1977
    Reference No: 1803
    Movement No: DD'202'149
    Case No: 5’175’417
    Model Name: Day-Date "Stella"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1556, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex President bracelet, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex concealed deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Among the most collectible of all Day-Dates are ones fitted with lacquer "Stella" dials. Translucent yet vibrant, "Stella" dials offer so much exclusivity to the wearer, as no two are exactly the same in appearance. Rolex adorned their Day-Date watches with a variety of dials, ranging from yellow to mint green. One of the rarest and most sought after are coral colored ones, such as the present example.

    This dazzling coral dial contrasts vibrantly against the diamond-set numerals and black graphics. Despite being over 40 years of age, the dial still retains its highly glossy finish, just as if it left the factory yesterday. It is preserved in excellent condition, with no cracks or hairlines at all. All luminous dots are intact and perfectly match the luminous on the hands.

    The case is furthermore preserved in marvelous condition, and still retains two strong hallmarks on the underside of the lug. The proportions are robust, and the top of the lugs feature sharp finishes. It even displays remnants of its factory sticker on the case back.

  • 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

Ο113

Ref. 1803
A very rare and attractive yellow gold calendar wristwatch with coral colored lacquer "Stella" dial and bracelet

1977
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 60,000 
€25,700-51,400
$31,800-63,500

Sold for CHF61,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 81
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN

Geneva Auction 12-13 May 2018