Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV Hong Kong Monday, November 28, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2007
    Reference No: 16610
    Movement No: 2’130’529
    Case No: M910’617, 11/30
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “PJ6”
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee card stamped Rolex Vendome Paris dated 20th December 2008, instruction manual, product literature, green card holder, military medals, badges, flag, copy of blueprint, letter from Rolex, book, copy of the 2008 nomination list of GSPR members, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    With a rich heritage of supplying military wristwatches to various organizations around the world, Rolex has been one of the most prestigious firms to do so across the decades. One of the most elite units that have undergone the Rolex treatment is the Groupe Securite Presidence Republique. An elite French presidential unit founded in 1983 and until 2007, this special unit oversees the security of the president and politicians of the French Republic. The special unit comprises of 50 policemen, 30 military personnel and 30 police officers, each with a unique set of skills and abilities to perform to the highest standards. Trained in personal security, extraction, combat, shooting and driving.

    To commemorate the elite unit which was discharged in 2007 after the presidency of the French Republic succeeded by Nicolas Sarkozy, Rolex decided to create a special limited edition timepiece of 30 examples as tokens of appreciation to the existing members of the G.S.P.R. The model used was the robust, coveted and iconic Submariner ref. 16610 featuring a black dial and bezel with a special insignia of the emblem of the elite unit featured at the 9 o’clock position of the dial. Furthermore, each individual timepiece features the emblem and the commemoration dates of the G.S.P.R as well as the individual case number engraved, which is a unique feature for Rolex timepieces.

    Extremely rare and highly sought-after by Rolex enthusiasts around the world, it is a once in a blue moon occasion for an example such as the present to surface at auction. Numbered 11, the present example is one of the most complete examples to ever appear in public accompanied by its full set of accessories including its original guarantee card stamped Rolex Vendome, and retailed through Dubail Paris as well as other accessories including a flag, military badges and medals belonging to the original owner of the present timepiece a member of the elite unit, Mr. Phylip Bernard Michel. First offered at auction in 2016, the present timepiece has been preserved in the same exact condition as it first appeared in public.

    For collector’s seeking for rare limited edition Rolex timepieces and enthusiast of military watches, this is one of the most desirable examples to ever be offered.

  • 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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868

Ref. 16610
An extremely rare and attractive limited edition stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, date, G.S.P.R logo, bracelet, made for Groupe Securite Presidence Republique, numbered 11 of a limited edition of 30 pieces

Circa 2007
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$300,000 - 500,000 
€35,700-59,500
$38,500-64,100

Sold for HK$1,764,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV

28 - 29 November 2022 (Online Registration ends 27 Nov, 2pm HKT)