Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIX featuring the Guido Mondani Collection Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1948
    Reference No: 4768
    Case No: 624'911
    Model Name: Anti-Magnetique
    Material: Stainless steel and yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 72C, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Provenance: The present timepiece has been sold previously by Phillips Bacs and Russo at the Geneva Watch Auction: THREE on May 15th 2016, lot 109.

  • Provenance

    The present timepiece has been sold previously by Phillips Bacs and Russo at the Geneva Watch Auction: THREE on May 15th 2016, lot 109.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Whilst Rolex is often associated with rugged tool watches, during the mid-20th century the Swiss-based Maison was producing what can only be described as refined and sophisticated timepieces. Today, these watches are prized for their scarcity and allure, offering collectors a glimpse into a bygone era of elegance and innovation.

    The Rolex reference 4768 represented the brand's inaugural venture into the world of antimagnetic triple calendar chronograph wristwatches. Although officially named the "Dato Compax," its Oyster-cased counterpart gained prominence through its association with the renowned French Olympic skier, Jean-Claude Killy. Among the five Dato Compax models manufactured, the reference 4768 stands out as the sole variant featuring a non-Oyster case.

    Launched in 1947, research suggests that only 220 examples of this reference were produced, these were available in stainless steel, yellow gold, pink gold, and two-tone variations, such as the present example, crafted in stainless steel with either a pink or yellow gold bezel, crown and date hand.

    The present Rolex reference 4768 from 1948 features stunning elongated teardrop lugs and captivating silvered dial. In superb overall condition, inside the timepiece is made alive thanks to the reliable Valjoux 72C movement, which can be found in some of today’s most desirable models ever created by the firm.

    In the world of watch collecting, discerning enthusiasts seek timepieces that not only enrich their collections with historical significance but also serve as bold statements of style. The present reference 4768, in close to mint condition, epitomizes this ethos, embodying the design prowess of the Rolex brand during the mid-century era.

  • 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

217

Ref. 4768
A very rare and extremely well-preserved stainless steel and yellow gold anti-magnetic triple calendar wristwatch with tachometer scale

1948
35mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 200,000 
€102,000-204,000
$109,000-219,000

Sold for CHF139,700

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIX featuring the Guido Mondani Collection

Geneva Auction 11 - 12 May 2024