Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE Hong Kong Monday, November 25, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1990
    Reference No: 16618
    Case No: E677’260
    Model Name: Submariner
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped 92908, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped "010"
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Further accompanied by Rolex Guarantee stamped Orologeria Pisa dated 3rd April 1991, Rolex service guarantee, instruction manual, product literature, anchor, hang tags, cloth, 1990-1991 calendar card, brown wallet, outer packaging and fitted presentation box

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Submariner started its life as a professional tool watch for diving in 1953. Since its successful reception among collectors and the world. Earning its identity as one of the most iconic wristwatches ever produced, Rolex decided to summon a luxurious twist to the famed model. Initially launched in the 1980’s, the ref. 16618 was encased in a 18K yellow gold case with matching bracelet. Offered with a blue bezel insert and a blue sunburst dial, the reference was also available with black dial and a black bezel insert. The reference was in production until 2010.

    The present example fitted with a blue dial and complete with all the accessories offered in very attractive overall condition.

  • 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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Ref. 16618
A fine and attractive yellow gold diver’s wristwatch with sweep center seconds, date, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1990
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$170,000 - 300,000 
€19,400-34,200
$21,800-38,500

Sold for HK$237,500

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE

Hong Kong Auction 25-26 November 2019