Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1999
    Reference No: 79138
    Movement No: 0’373’213
    Case No: A665’502
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: 18K yellow gold and diamonds
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2235, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex President bracelet, max length 165mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex concealed folding clasp
    Dimensions: 26mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by an undated Rolex guarantee stamped Lotte Kimpo Aiport 2 Duty Free Shop, instruction manual, product literature, hang tags, key, 1999-2000 calendar card, blue card holder, outer packaging and large blue fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    While the world of the Rolex Datejust is as diverse as it can get, the ref. 79138 is possibly one of the most interesting references for the discerned lady collector. Measuring in at a 26mm diameter Oyster case, the appeal is certainly unique giving it almost a “toy-like” appearance. With that said, it is one of the most diverse references featuring a variety of metals, dials, gem-set examples as well as hardstone examples too.

    The present Rolex Datejust ref. 79138 from circa 1999 features an extravagant diamond-set bezel with a rare and highly attractive pink “opal” dial with diamond-set indexes. Offered in attractive overall condition, this cute timepiece is complete with its original set of accessories including the large blue presentation box.

  • 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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Ref. 79138
A lady’s attractive and rare yellow gold and diamond-set wristwatch with center seconds, date, pink “opal” dial, diamond-set indexes, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1999
26mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$85,000 - 160,000 
€9,900-18,700
$10,900-20,500

Sold for HK$127,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023