Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIV Geneva Friday, November 5, 2021 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1989
    Reference No: 16713
    Movement No: 5’381’591
    Case No: L'597'244
    Model Name: GMT-Master II “Root Beer”
    Material: Stainless steel and 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3185, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel and 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 215 mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped “78.363.18”
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Bucherer Certified Pre-Owned guarantee service card stamped 24th July 2020, Bucherer fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex’s GMT-Master was one of the most revolutionary timepieces available when it was first released in 1954. Introduced at the dawn of commercial aviation and developed in collaboration with Pan-Am airlines, it featured a historic innovation that permitted travellers to simultaneously tell time at both their “home” and “local” destination. The model evolved over the decades with several design changes and in 1982, its successor, the GMT-Master II, was introduced, employing for the first time a quick-set hour hand that could easily be moved forwards and backwards.

    The present two-tone Rolex GMT-Master II reference 16713 demonstrated Rolex’s fresh twist on the classic. Perfectly combining functionality, elegance and edginess, the watch features a two-tone brown bezel, now referred to by collectors as the “Root Beer” and a brown tone dial, which almost opalescent, reflects bronze hues to its beholder.

    Offered without reserve, the present watch represents the ultimate sporty-chic accessory that anyone could wish for - gold for a touch of sparkle and steel for robustness. Attesting of its perfect functionality, the watch is further accompanied by its Bucherer service guarantee dated 24th July 2020.

  • 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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This lot is offered without Reserve

147

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 16713
A fine and rare two tone stainless steel and yellow gold dual-time wristwatch with center seconds, date, bracelet and service guarantee

Circa 1989
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF6,000 - 8,000 
€5,600-7,400
$6,500-8,700

Sold for CHF20,160

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East Director
AGhotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIV

Geneva Auction 5 & 7 November 2021