Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XX Geneva Saturday, November 9, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1970
    Reference No: 1803 inside with repeated caseback number 2'462'516
    Movement No: DD436912
    Case No: 2'462'516
    Model Name: Day-Date "Qaboos"
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1556, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Versatile, creative and playful, the Day-Date is one of Rolex’s models that has seen the most variations since its launch in 1956. Only publicly available in precious metals such as gold or platinum, sometimes adorned with precious stones or colourful dials, the Day Date is a model that embodies flamboyance and exuberance.

    The white gold case of the present watch is complemented by a silver dial without luminous dots (matching the non-luminous hands) that is only brightened by the red inscription on the dial as if Rolex wanted to keep all the attention on the red signature of his Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Saided of Oman. When found anywhere on a watch, this signature signifies an important object of royal provenance. Combining the extremely sought after Qaboos signature in a stealth gold case, this watch is at once easy to wear as well as presents a special variation and will be a very fine addition to any collection. The case number is furthermore repeated on the inside case back, signifying the present watch was made upon special order from Rolex.

  • 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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199

Ref. 1803 inside with repeated caseback number 2'462'516
A highly rare and attractive white gold calendar wristwatch with center seconds and "Qaboos" dial, made for the Sultanate of Oman

1970
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000 
€21,300-42,600
$23,300-46,500

Sold for CHF24,130

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

tto@phillips.com

 

 

The Geneva Watch Auction: XX

Geneva Auction 9 - 10 November 2024