Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1991
    Reference No: 16610
    Movement No: 6'161'990
    Case No: N314'350
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster, reference 93150, end links stamped 501B, max length 210mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel folding twin lock deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed. Caseback further engraved "Grand Prix de Monaco 1992"

  • Catalogue Essay

    The 1992 Grand Prix de Monaco is recognized as one of the most exciting Formula One races in history, as two of the most notorious drivers, Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell, engaged in a breathtaking battle for victory. We believe this watch is one of a very limited batch of Submariners in stainless steel to have been made for this event along with another batch in gold and steel. Research shows that these were delivered to Rolex’s French agent and must have been given as gifts to the driver of the fastest lap and to the winner of the race. For the year 1992, the pole position was held by Nigel Mansell and the race won by Ayrton Senna.
    Marking the beginning of an era, Reference 16610 is Rolex’s first Submariner to use a sapphire crystal as well as the first model of the Submariner family to feature white gold applied luminous hour markers on a black, glossy dial. All parts of the present glossy black dial are in immaculate condition. This watch’s case is crisp with extremely well defined lugs. With its motorsport linkage, it's sure to be a great addition for the discerning collector.

  • 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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Ref. 16610
A fine and rare stainless steel wristwatch with date, bracelet and centre seconds, engraved with "Grand Prix de Monaco 1992"

1991
40mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed. Caseback further engraved "Grand Prix de Monaco 1992"

Estimate
CHF5,000 - 10,000 
€4,600-9,300
$5,000-9,900

Sold for CHF12,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017