Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XI Geneva Sunday, June 28, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1951
    Reference No: 6062
    Movement No: N32558
    Case No: 690'031
    Model Name: Oyster Perpetual "Stelline"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 9 3/4''', 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp stamped "1 50"
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Fully infused with Rolex's genetic codes with its Oyster case, in-house automatic movement and Jubilee bracelet, reference 6062 further features a complication only seen in another reference (non-waterproof reference 8171): a triple calendar and moonphase display. Known at the time as a brand specialising in professional timepieces rather than dress watch, it was extremely unusual for Rolex to venture into the realm of complicated calendar watches, and the fact that they made only two such models testified to this. In fact, the market regarded with suspicion these more complicated Rolex creations, resulting in their current remarkable scarcity.

    Launched in 1950, and produced for only a handful of years, this reference was available in stainless steel, yellow gold and pink gold, and offered with different dial variations. The faceted star dial, as seen on the present watch, is beyond doubt the most whimsical and collectible of all the variations, so much that the watch was given its nickname “Stelline” (“Small stars” in Italian). In fact, luminous star dials come in two different variations: one with luminous accents present next to the star indexes, and the present more collectible one, where the star indexes present a recess at the centre into which the luminous material is applied. Rolex considered the model a top-of-the-line timepiece, with an in-house automatic movement, and upgraded with a full calendar and moonphase indication.

    When introduced, ref. 6062 was groundbreaking: it was the first automatic watch with triple calendar and moonphase indication housed in a water-resistant case to ever grace the market.

    The present yellow gold reference 6062 has been lovingly taken care of by its current owner and it remains in very honest condition. The case is strong and fully preserves its original proportions. The dial graphics are flawless, and the day and date apertures are sharp and angular, demonstrating the originality of the dial. A strong patina has developed with age, increasing the vintage allure of the watch. The luminous material has been very carefully restored to a warm camel hue, perfectly harmonising with the rest of the dial.

    This example of the model furthermore comes with its original 18-karat yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet stamped “1 50” to the clasp, adding inimitable panache to the model.

  • 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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157

Ref. 6062
A highly important, very impressive and extremely fine yellow gold automatic triple calendar wristwatch with moonphases, luminous star dial and bracelet

Circa 1951
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF150,000 - 300,000 
€139,000-278,000
$164,000-328,000

Sold for CHF187,500

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