Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1980
    Reference No: 16753
    Movement No: 0'449'803
    Case No: 6'290'267
    Model Name: GMT-Master "Root Beer"
    Material: 18K yellow gold and stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3075, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 16753 is a rare variant within the GMT family as it is cased in both stainless steel and yellow gold. Collectors dub this model the 'Root Beer' due to its beautiful brown dial and caramel and chocolate bezel. This particular bezel remains vibrant, displaying a sharp gold and light brown color, giving the watch a very charismatic appearance.

    This timepiece is preserved in particularly stunning condition, with sharp satin finishes on the top of the lugs and crisp edges. The proportions are robust, and the bevels are wide and visible. Even the case back retains a strong satin finish. The dials of reference 16753 are known for flaking, yet this dial remains intact throughout and exhibits a glossy brown shade, which is particularly noteworthy and incredible.

  • 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.

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This Lot is to be Sold with No Reserve

39

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 16753
An exceedingly well-preserved and attractive stainless steel and yellow gold dual-time wristwatch

Circa 1980
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF4,000 - 6,000 
€3,600-5,300
$4,000-6,000

Sold for CHF24,375

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019