Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1964
    Reference No: 1607, inside caseback stamped “1601”
    Movement No: D32'191
    Case No: 1'098'860
    Model Name: Datejust
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1560, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex President bracelet with bark finished centre links, endlinks stamped “55B”, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex concealed deployant clasp stamped “8723”
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    While regular Datejusts are elegant and refined, examples featuring a hardstone dial exude a distinct appeal. Renowned as one of the most innovative manufacturers in horology, Rolex has showcased various hardstones on their dials, including onyx, bloodstone, sodalite, and tiger’s eye. Each natural hardstone requires specific techniques and skills to cut and craft, and the rigorous process often results in considerable wastage, making these dials exceptionally rare, each with its own unique characteristics and textures.

    The present Rolex Datejust ref. 1607 in yellow gold made circa 1964 is a very early example featuring a stunning and flawless tiger’s eye dial. This chatoyant gemstone showcases a reddish-brown hue with a silky luster that harmonizes beautifully with the yellow gold case and bracelet.

    Adding to its uniqueness, this Datejust features a very rare "bark" finished bezel, which mimics the texture of wood, creating a visually striking contrast with the dial and the yellow gold case. The President bracelet also includes center links with a bark finish, enhancing the overall appeal of the watch. With a diameter of 36mm, the reference 1607 Datejust sits comfortably on the wrist, and the addition of the "bark" accents gives this timepiece a charming and distinctive character.

  • 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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862

Ref. 1607, inside caseback stamped “1601”
A highly rare and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, date, “Tiger’s Eye” dial, bark finished bezel and bracelet

Circa 1964
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$110,000 - 230,000 
€13,000-27,100
$14,100-29,500

Sold for HK$177,800

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX

Hong Kong Auction 23 - 24 November 2024