Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: TWO Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2015 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1974
    Reference No: 1803
    Movement No: DD216'551
    Case No: 4'209'058
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18k white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1556, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: White gold Rolex President, reference 8385, end links stamped 53, max length 195mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    In the early 1970s, Rolex produced Day-Date models that stood out with their brightly colored enamel lacquered dials, often referred to as “Stella” dials.

    The rare red-orange colored shade, similar to that of Vermilion, in the present example is enriched with 8 round cut and 2 baguette cut diamond hour markers. The watch is powered by a calibre 1556 movement that was first introduced in the mid 1960s as the latest improvement to the calibre 1555, featuring a 19,800 beat per hour frequency.

    The present example is encased in 18k white gold with a matching Rolex President bracelet with hidden deployant clasp. Combining the rarity of the dial color, and its excellent state of preservation, this watch is an excellent addition to any collection.

  • 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

196

Ref. 1803
A very fine and rare white gold calendar wristwatch with centre seconds, bracelet, vermilion colored lacquered "Stella" dial and diamond-set hour markers

1974
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000 

Sold for CHF47,500

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

Geneva Watch Auction: TWO

Geneva Auction 7 & 8 November 2015 6:30pm