Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE Hong Kong Monday, November 25, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1965
    Reference No: 1675
    Movement No: D14135
    Case No: 1'321'615, case back interior further stamped iv.65
    Model Name: GMT-Master
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel riveted Rolex Oyster bracelet, stamped 7206, endlinks stamped 80, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp stamped "1.66"
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex’s first GMT-Master wristwatch was introduced in the 1950s at the start of the golden age of air travel, which is now recognised as a highly productive period in horology with many brands producing some of the most iconic watches known today. The GMT-Master reference 6542 was released in 1954 as a 39mm diameter wristwatch made in cooperation with Pan American Airlines as a tool watch for pilots, and sophisticated travelers. It allowed the wearer to keep track of time both at home and locally. By 1959, Rolex introduced the reference 1675 with the newly designed case at 39mm diameter, featuring crown guards and a metal bezel that replaced the fragile Bakelite bezel found on the previous model. With changes over the years, the GMT-Master has remained in production ever since.

    The present lot is well preserved and displays the desirable traits collectors seek of these early examples. Dating to 1965, the watch features a black glossy lacquer dial with gilt print, which is in very nice original condition with luminous material that has faded to a sandy yellow tone. The case has full proportions with crisp lug bevels and a bezel that faded to light blue and golden bronze hues. Today’s watch enthusiasts want watches that are original and are the best representation of a particular model. This GMT-Master is an idea timepiece that is the best of the mid-20th century both for its modern aesthetic and historical background.

  • 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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905

Ref. 1675
A very attractive and well preserved stainless steel dual-time wristwatch with gilt lacquered dial, date, center seconds and bracelet

Circa 1965
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$155,000 - 235,000 
€17,700-26,800
$19,900-30,100

Sold for HK$350,000

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