Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI Geneva Saturday, November 5, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1953
    Reference No: 6305
    Movement No: 83'574
    Case No: 948'357
    Model Name: "Ovettone" Datejust
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 775, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated Rolex buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Displaying a reeded bezel, reference 6305 is nicknamed "Ovettone" due to the likeness of its rounded caseback to an egg. This beautiful yellow gold "Ovettone" is preserved in excellent condition with an arresting lacquer dial. Displaying a stunning mirror-like finish, the dial features three lines of script bearing "Chronometer Officially Certified "at 6 o'clock. This configuration is extremely rare as most dials display "Officially Certified Chronometer" in two lines. It is incredibly rare to discover a black lacquer dial in such impressive condition, no less with such a singular appearance. Furthermore, the luminous dots are still visible and have aged with warm patina. The timepiece even retains its original black and red date wheel.

    Preserved in excellent condition, this yellow gold Datejust displays crisp finishes on the top of the lugs, as well as a sharp hallmark beneath the lug. This timepiece even retains its original Super Oyster crown.

  • 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

159

Ref. 6305
An exceedingly rare and well-preserved yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, black glossy lacquer "three liner" dial and red/black date roulette wheel

Circa 1953
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000 
€20,600-41,200
$20,000-40,100

Sold for CHF189,000

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East
+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com
 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva
+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI

Geneva Auction 5 - 6 November 2022