Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: NINE Hong Kong Monday, November 25, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1977
    Reference No: 1601
    Movement No: D383’235
    Case No: 5’216’460
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet endlinks stamped 53, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp stamped "B"
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Dial, case, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Further accompanied by Rolex service guarantee, Rolex Japan service invoice and green pouch.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Hailing from the 1970’s, the Rolex Datejust ref. 1601 featured the first and foremost jubilee bracelet. Constructed with a 5-part metal link, the jubilee bracelet is iconic for the model. The Rolex Datejust is one of the pinions of the manufacturer that has created its own following since its initial launch with an idea of creating a luxury wristwatch available in both gold and stainless steel examples.

    The present Rolex Datejust ref. 1601 is fitted with a Lapis Lazuli dial. Rolex has many examples spread across various models featuring hardstone dials from many different natural materials found from all around the world. The combination of the blue and gold reflects the word “luxury” synonymously with the color combination and lapis lazuli itself being a prized and treasured material during the ancient Egyptian times.

    The present example is presented in excellent overall condition and is a brilliant specimen of a 1970’s Datejust fitted with an attractive Lapis Lazuli dial.

  • 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.

    View More Works

933

Ref. 1601
A fine and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with sweep center seconds, date, “Lapis Lazuli” dial and bracelet

1977
36mm Diameter
Dial, case, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 320,000 
€18,200-36,500
$20,500-41,000

Sold for HK$200,000

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