Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2019
    Reference No: 126603
    Case No: N534N713
    Model Name: Sea-Dweller
    Material: 18K yellow gold and stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3235, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 210mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold and stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 43mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Klarlund A/S Denmark dated 18th November 2019, instruction manual, product literature, green card holder, hang tags, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Unveiled at Baselworld in 2019, the Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 126603 is a hybrid of a robust diver’s wristwatch with a touch of gold. Combined for the first time Rolex’s 904L Oystersteel and 18K yellow gold, the two-tone construction Sea-Dweller not only distinct itself with its good looks, its remarkable depth rating of 1,220 meters / 4,000 ft inscribed at 6 o’clock on the black dial echoes the colour of yellow gold with luxurious appeal. Similar to its sibling ref. 126600 with all-steel counterparts, the Sea-Dwellers are equipped with the caliber 3235 movement for superlative performance. A consummate demonstration of Rolex technology with 14 patents, it offers fundamental gains from precision, power reserve, high energy efficiency and great reliability thanks to the Chronergy escapement. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic interference. An elevated choice for collectors seeking for not the average diver’s Sea-Dweller, the present ref. 126603 preserved in excellent overall condition accompanied with its full set of accessories is certainly one to go for.

  • 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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929

Ref. 126603
A “like-new” and attractive two-tone stainless steel and yellow gold diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, date, gas escape valve, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 2019
43mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$65,000 - 140,000 
€7,600-16,300
$8,300-17,900

Sold for HK$139,700

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