Rolex - Phillips Watches Online Auct... Lot 8054 March 2025 | Phillips

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  • Condition Report

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1992
    Reference No: 16570, repeated inside caseback
    Movement No: 6’387’595
    Case No: N419’743
    Model Name: Explorer II
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3185, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “78360”, endlinks stamped “501B”, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “I4”, “78760”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Monreal Tiendasoro Spain dated 18th September 1995, 1 additional link, 1995-1996 calendar, green leather holder, instruction manual, product literature, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    - The Explorer II collection has long been regarded as one of the most undervalued Rolex timepieces. Beyond embodying the technical virtuosity for which Rolex is renowned, it also features a refined aesthetic that pays tribute to a spirit of adventure and exploration.

    - In 1989, Rolex introduced the Explorer II reference 16570. Over an impressive 22-year production run, two variants were offered: one with a black dial and the other featuring the lustrous white ‘Polar’ dial, as seen in the present example.

    - Throughout the evolution of this reference, Rolex utilized various luminous materials. Earlier examples, made from circa 1989 to 1997, featured tritium, indicated by “SWISS-T<25” at the 6 o’clock position (as seen in the present example). Later models, from circa 1998 to 1999, bore Luminova with only the “SWISS” insignia, while the final transition utilized Super-Luminova material, marked by “SWISS MADE.”

    - This specific timepiece also has luminous markers that have developed a beautifully patinated creamy hue over the years. It is further accompanied by its full set of accessories, making it a complete and compelling addition to any collection.

  • 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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8054

Ref. 16570, repeated inside caseback
A fine and attractive stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with center seconds, date, 24-hour indication, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1992
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$40,000 - 64,000 
€4,700-7,600
$5,100-8,200

Current bid HK$38,000
2 Bids

Please note that once you've placed your bid,
it cannot be cancelled.

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

Phillips Watches Online Auction: The Hong Kong Sessions, Spring 2025

19 - 26 March 2025