Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1959
    Reference No: 6234
    Case No: 425'899
    Model Name: Oyster Chronograph Anti-Magnetic
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, 71 end links, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped 3.59
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present watch demonstrates how a watch can remain extremely original, even sixty years after it has left the Rolex factory.

    This particular case is presented in extremely remarkable condition. It features full proportions and sharp finishes on the top of the lugs. The numbers between the lugs are particularly noteworthy. Deep and precise, the serial and reference numbers are engraved directly onto the factory-satin finish, demonstrating how they have never seen intervention in the past. The bezel is particularly crisp, with a sharp edge.

    The "Swiss"signed dial is equally extraordinary, with no major signs of tarnishing, which is impressive given the age of the watch.

  • 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

57

Ref. 6234
A very fine and superbly well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with multi-scale luminous dial and bracelet

Circa 1959
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF35,000 - 55,000 
€31,200-49,000
$35,300-55,400

Sold for CHF85,000

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