Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT Hong Kong Monday, May 27, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1954
    Reference No: 6202, inside case back stamped I 54
    Movement No: 01271 & F 61’640
    Case No: 952’389
    Model Name: Turn-O-Graph
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. A260, 19 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet, max length 170mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “Hecho En Mexico”
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Literature: For another example of a stainless steel reference 6202, please see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, page 183

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Turn-O-Graph launched in 1953, is considered one of Rolex’s milestone watches. Designed as a “tool” watch like the Submariner, it was fitted with a rotating bezel with a black insert calibrated to 60 minutes designed to fulfill accurate timekeeping. Although, the reference 6202 was not the first Rolex to be fitted with a rotating bezel, as the credit goes to the “Zerograph”, it certainly was Rolex’s first mass produced model to feature one. The rotating bezel is one of the most important elements that inspired its successors to carry the same features such as the Thunderbird and the GMT-Master and also the Submariner.

    Released in different dial configurations, such as the gilt lacquer and the honeycomb dial. The initial launch of the Turn-O-Graph was not as popular as anticipated, as it was overshadowed by the Submariner. Due to its low popularity, the production of the Turn-O-Graph seized which resulted in a very low production numbers for the respected reference.

    The present example is of the gilt-lacquered dial reference 6202. Presented in overall very good condition, the present piece features an attractive dial with original hands and featuring the correct “lollipop” seconds hand. The dial also features a strong reaction under UV light on the 6 O’clock position luminous hour marker, which is typical for this reference as it was perhaps designed by Rolex to enhance the legibility of the dial in the dark. The reading on the Geiger counter is high at 400 units. However, the black insert on the bezel is from a later period and so it’s the bracelet and clasp.

  • 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

954

Ref. 6202, inside case back stamped I 54
An extremely fine and very rare stainless steel wristwatch with sweep center seconds, gilt dial and bracelet

1954
35mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 235,000 
€13,500-26,500
$15,400-30,100

Sold for HK$300,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT

Hong Kong Auction 28 May 2019