Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X Hong Kong Friday, July 10, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1978
    Reference No: 1680, repeated inside caseback
    Movement No: D790’162
    Case No: 5’861’286
    Model Name: Submariner “Purple Haze”
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “C”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Immediately drawing attention and extremely attractive due to its natural and unique appearance developed over time, the Rolex Submariner ref. 1680 in yellow gold with an originally blue dial is fathomed by discerned collectors. Launched in 1967, the reference was the first Submariner to feature a date. Made for professional use, most examples were encased in stainless steel rather than gold.

    Furthermore, another milestone for Rolex was that the ref. 1680 was also the first to be introduced with a yellow gold case. Offering an alternative for clients seeking for a touch of luxury with professional capabilities, the ref. 1680 was the perfect choice enjoying the same depth rating as its stainless steel counterpart.

    The present example nicknamed the “purple haze” is presented in very attractive overall condition with a much uniformed tropicalization developed on the dial. Furthermore, boasting a nicely preserved case, rare to come across, the desirability of the present timepiece is without a doubt heightened.

  • 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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1026

Ref. 1680, repeated inside caseback
A very attractive and rare yellow gold diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, date, blue bezel, purple “tropical” dial and bracelet

Circa 1978
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$200,000 - 300,000 
€21,800-32,700
$25,600-38,500

Sold for HK$275,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi

Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001

WatchesHK@phillips.com

 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X

Hong Kong Auction 10 July 2020