Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX Hong Kong Monday, May 28, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1974
    Reference No: 1665
    Movement No: D396’886
    Case No: 4’030’340, also repeated inside the caseback
    Model Name: Sea-Dweller, “Double Red”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, stamped 93150, end links stamped 580, max length 200mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp, stamped 93150 S CL1
    Dimensions: 40mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed, outer caseback signed “Rolex Patent Oyster Gas Escape Value”

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present example with Mk III dial features the “D” in Sea-Dweller lining up with the “R” in Submariner 2000. One of the finest examples of these rare watches to come to auction, the case is in extraordinary condition with clean lug bevels and wonderfully original dial. Today, the Sea-Dweller has become mythical amongst collectors of vintage tool watches. It masculine appeal and technical prowess make it a robust watch that has an intriguing historical background, and sought by passionate collectors.

  • 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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FROM A PROMINENT ASIAN COLLECTOR

819

Ref. 1665
A rare and highly attractive stainless steel wristwatch with date, bracelet and helium escape valve

Circa 1974
40mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed, outer caseback signed “Rolex Patent Oyster Gas Escape Value”

Estimate
HK$240,000 - 400,000 
€26,400-44,000
$30,800-51,300

Sold for HK$375,000

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: SIX

Hong Kong Auction 29 May 2018