Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X Hong Kong Friday, July 10, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2002
    Reference No: 16264
    Movement No: 9’189’753
    Case No: K632’576
    Model Name: Datejust Turn-O-Graph “Thunderbird”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “78360”, endlinks stamped “558B”, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “DE11”
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Further accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated 8th March 2002 stamped Artland Watch Co., LTD. Hong Kong, 2002-2003 calendar card, hang tags, green wallet, instruction manual, product literature, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph “Thunderbird” was initially introduced in 1955 via the ref. 1625. Capitalizing on the relationship with the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron founded in 1953, Rolex placed a Turn-O-Graph on the wrists of a Thunderbird pilot. Impressed by the watch, the Squadron requested Rolex to create timepieces for them.

    The ref. 16264 was introduced in 1977 replacing its predecessor, with an updated self-winding caliber 3035 and did not have “Turn-O-Graph” written on the dial. The present example fitted with a blue sodalite dial belongs to a rare configuration of the reference. Set with diamond indexes, the present example is most definitely a luxurious iteration of what was once a pilot’s watch. Presented in excellent overall condition and further accompanied by the full set of accessories, it is without a doubt a fantastic and rarely seen iteration of the model.

  • 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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1031

Ref. 16264
A fine and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, date, blue "sodalite" dial, diamond-set indexes, bracelet, guarantee and box

Circa 2002
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$80,000 - 120,000 
€8,700-13,100
$10,300-15,400

Sold for HK$112,500

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