Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XII Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1950
    Reference No: 5034
    Case No: 650'510
    Model Name: Oyster Chronographe
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 5034 in one of the most elusive Rolex references to be known to collectors. Launched in 1949, it was the first three-counters, two-pushers Rolex chronograph to be cased in an Oyster case. It scarcity is determined by the fact that soon Rolex introduced more advanced chronograph reference, thus discontinuing the present model after little more than one year;. Such a supreme rarity is testified by the fact that Phillips is offering this model for the very first time. Even when looking at the entire auction panorama, the situation does not change much, with only one example appearing in the past few years.

    The collector will be thrilled to realise that not only the model is rare, but this specific specimen is preserved ion remarkable condition. The case well preserves its original proportions and does not present signs of overpolishing. In fact, it shows a charming hint of oxidation which deepens the gold glow of the piece, and testifies that it was looked after with utmost care and hardly ever used over the past few decades.
    If the case is well-preserved, the dial is breathtaking, fully preserving all the graphics without losses or fading. Most notably, the blue telemeter scale retains its vibrant hue incredibly well, considering the age of this piece.

  • 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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50

Ref. 5034
A fine and very attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with multi-scale dial

Circa 1950
36mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF150,000 - 300,000 
€139,000-278,000
$163,000-327,000

Contact Specialist

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

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XII

Geneva Auction 6 - 7 November 2020