Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XI Hong Kong Saturday, November 28, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1968
    Reference No: 1806, inside caseback stamped 1803
    Movement No: DD224’420
    Case No: 1’990’724
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1556, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex linen-textured bracelet, max length 210mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “3,68”
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Day-Date is certainly an icon on its own with its heritage dating back to 1956. Predominantly encased in gold, the Day-Date is Rolex’s answer to the ultimate “luxury” wristwatch featuring a balanced 36mm diameter case with an elegant gold bracelet to match it. Introduced in the early 1960s, the Rolex Day-Date ref. 1800 series were the successor to the earliest Day-Date models. During this period, Rolex had experimented with various dial materials and colours to cater towards the ever-changing trend in wristwatches. One of the most notable dials to ever be encased in a Day-Date were the Stella dials. Glossy and lacquered, Rolex Stella dials are extremely attractive as they were produced in the most vibrant colors imaginable. However, Rolex also experimented with various dial colors using their traditional matte finished dials, such as the present example.

    The present Rolex Day-Date is certainly a rare and a special one. Noticeable in immediate glance, the case, bezel and bracelet are elegantly “linen-textured” by hand to provide a more rustic, yet flamboyant appeal and is referenced 1806. Featuring an attractive “chocolate” dial matching harmoniously with the case and bracelet, the dial is very well-preserved and presented in excellent overall condition with all luminous plots intact and reactive under UV light. Exceptionally rare and attractive, the present noteworthy example is certainly a delight to be featured in any collection of fine vintage timepieces.

  • 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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856

Ref. 1806, inside caseback stamped 1803
A very rare and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, day, date and bracelet

Circa 1968
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$100,000 - 200,000 
€10,800-21,600
$12,800-25,600

Sold for HK$163,800

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi

Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001

WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XI

Hong Kong Auction 29 November 2020