Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2000s
    Reference No: 16610
    Case No: E59K1747
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “RS3” and “93250”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by undated Rolex guarantee stamped Oriental Watch Co. Ltd Hong Kong, instruction manual, hang tags, product literature, green card holder, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Released in 1989, the Rolex Submariner ref. 16610 replaces the short-lived ref. 16800 and was dubbed by collectors as the first “modern” Submariner featuring the new cal. 3135. With the latest Submariner reference released in 2020 via the ref. 126610 with a larger 41mm diameter case, the ref. 16610 is a fantastic model for keen collectors seeking for their first timepieces to add to their collection. Making this example more desirable is its attractive “new-old-stock” condition, retaining all its factory stickers intact and accompanied by its full set of accessories, the present Rolex Submariner ref. 16610 is a spectacular opportunity to acquire a superb example of the hot reference.

  • 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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Property from the Original Owner

865

Ref. 16610
A “new-old-stock” and attractive stainless steel diver's wristwatch with center seconds, date, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 2000s
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$48,000 - 95,000 
€6,100-12,100
$6,200-12,200

Sold for HK$189,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV

Hong Kong Auction 27 - 28 May 2022