Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO Hong Kong Monday, May 30, 2016 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1967
    Reference No: 1675
    Movement No: D63480
    Case No: 1'489'949
    Model Name: GMT-Master
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Nato strap
    Dimensions: 39 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Literature: For more examples of reference 1675, please see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, page 192 and 193.

  • Catalogue Essay

    First launched in 1955, the GMT was originally manufactured for pilots to keep track of two different time zones. Over fifty years later, the GMT model still retains popularity among aviators and watch collectors. The present watch is an exceedingly rare example from the 1960s, as the watch is fitted with a very special gray bezel. The bezel has faded over time, giving the watch a very attractive appearance. The numerals and graphics on the dial have also aged to a warm orange tone, which match the hands on the dial. Coupled together, these elements present a very compelling and charismatic look.

  • 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

23

Ref. 1675
A rare stainless steel dual time wristwatch with sweep centre seconds and date

1967
39 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$60,000 - 80,000 

Sold for HK$81,250

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO

Hong Kong Auction 31 May 2016