Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XI Geneva Sunday, June 28, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1973
    Reference No: 1802 inside caseback further stamped 1803 and repeated with serial number
    Movement No: DD686'935
    Case No: 3'795'514
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1556, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet, end links stamped 49, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Rolex folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed. Caseback further stamped Asprey

  • Catalogue Essay

    Versatile, creative and playful, the Day-Date is one of Rolex’s models that has seen the most variations since its launch in 1956. Always produced in precious metal such as gold or platinum, sometimes adorned with precious stones or colourful dials, the Day Date is a model that embodies flamboyance and exuberance but sometimes, like with the present reference 1802, can also be very sober and discreet. The reference 1802, with polished bezel, was first introduced in 1963 and is much rarer compared to its reed-bezeled sibling reference 1803.

    The white gold case of the present watch is complemented by a silver dial colour that is only brightened by the red inscription on the dial as if Rolex wanted to keep all the attention on the red signature of his Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Saided of Oman. When found anywhere on a watch, this signature signifies an important object of royal provenance. Such watches were commissioned by Asprey for the Sultan of Oman, an important collector in his own right, to be offered as gifts to foreign dignitaries and loyal staff. From circa 1973, this watch remains in extremely attractive condition. Combining the extremely sought after Qaboos signature in a stealth metal case, this watch is at once easy to wear as well as presents a special variation and will be a very fine addition to any collection. Most importantly, the present watch was sold through Asprey as evidenced by the retailer's signature on the caseback.

  • 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. 1802 inside caseback further stamped 1803 and repeated with serial number
A fine and rare white gold wristwatch with day, date and bracelet made for the Sultanate of Oman and retailed by Asprey

Circa 1973
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed. Caseback further stamped Asprey

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000 
€18,500-37,100
$21,900-43,700

Sold for CHF43,750

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XI

Geneva Auction 27 - 28 June 2020