Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1999
    Reference No: 16200
    Case No: A’138’088
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “78360”, endlinks stamped “558B”, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Cathay Watch Co., LTD Hong Kong and dated March 1999, instruction manual, product literature, 1999 - 2000 calendar, leather card holder, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Hardstone dials are among the most attractive and collectable dials to have ever found their way into the Datejust line. Beyond the present sodalite, other stones have been employed by Rolex: onyx, malachite, marble, agate and jade are just some examples of this remarkable diversity.

    This sublime Datejust is fitted with a beautiful and very rare blue sodalite dial with diamond-set indexes. With no two dials being the same, the unique deep blue "mottled pattern" surface of the sodalite dial perfectly complements the stainless steel case and white diamond hour markers. As with all hard-stone dials, the calendar windows are framed in white metal. Framed in a contemporary smooth bezel, the present timepiece stands out from its peers that bear a traditional fluted bezel.

    Offered in attractive overall condition, the present Rolex Datejust ref. 16200 is a sight to behold for passionate collectors of hardstone dials.

  • 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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913

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 16200
A fine, attractive and "like-new" stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, date, blue sodalite dial, diamond-set indexes, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1999
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$78,000 - 160,000 
€9,100-18,700
$10,000-20,500

Sold for HK$114,300

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