Rolex - Double Signed: A Celebration of the Finest Partnerships of Manufacturers and Retailers Geneva Friday, November 8, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1968
    Reference No: 1510, caseback stamped 1503
    Movement No: D186394
    Case No: 1'901'206, further engraved with retailer no 135'020
    Model Name: Oyster Perpetual Date, "Zephyr"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex textured bracelet, max length 205mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex textured deployant clasp stamped "65 2"
    Dimensions: 34.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed, bottom of the lug stamped with Ricciardi numbers
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex punched Guarantee booklet stamped by Argentinian retailer Joyeria Ricciardi S.A. and dated September 8, 1969 and COSC certification dated November 3, 1968 and Rolex wallet.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Date, Datejust and Day-Date models have historically been a creative canvas for Rolex, used to express new designs and materials to an extent not even remotely approached by other models. The present piece perfectly exemplifies this concept: a true interpreter of the spirit of the 1960s and 1970s, the entire aesthetic impact of the piece is entrusted to the textured case and bracelet, while the dial remains relatively clean and free of clutter and scales. This trend was typical of the time, until the mid 1980s.

    This Ricciardi retailed example not only impresses with its overall condition - most notably, the Ricciardi numbers stamped underneath the lugs are absolutely unmolested, and the case has acquired a warm layer of oxidation over the years - but also with the presence of the original Guarantee booklet dated September 8, 1969 and even of the COSC certification.

    It is intriguing to note how all Zephyr 1510 examples feature a quirky detail: while the dial is marked T Swiss T, there is no trace of luminous material. This is most probably the result of Rolex employing for this reference pre-existing clichés bearing the T Swiss T designation.

  • 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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Ο4

Ref. 1510, caseback stamped 1503
A striking, unusual and extremely rare yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, date, bracelet and guarantee

Circa 1968
34.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed, bottom of the lug stamped with Ricciardi numbers

Estimate
CHF8,000 - 16,000 
€7,400-14,700
$8,100-16,100

Sold for CHF15,000

Contact Specialist
Virginie Liatard-Roessli
Specialist, Head of Sale
+41 76 338 91 03
vliatard@phillips.com

Double Signed: A Celebration of the Finest Partnerships of Manufacturers and Retailers

Geneva Auction 9 November 2019