Rolex - TOKI: Watch Auction Hong Kong Friday, November 22, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1961
    Reference No: 1675
    Movement No: D79’839
    Case No: 694’928, inside caseback stamped "II.61"
    Model Name: GMT-Master
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, Cal. 1560, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless Rolex Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 80, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp, stamped ‘2.62’
    Dimensions: 39.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee, chronometer certificate, Rolex service paper stamped by Rolex Japan Osaka, presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex produced a limited series of dials in the early 1960s featuring an elusive "exclamation" mark, a unique characteristic found on this particular timepiece. According to scholars, this mark signifies a transitional phase when Rolex reduced the radium content on the dials. Due to their short production span, dials with the "exclamation" mark, such as the one on this watch, are exceptionally rare. Notable features include a small luminous red hand for the second time zone indicator and 'Cornino' pointed crown guards, typical of early models.

    This vintage GMT-Master has been meticulously preserved for over six decades. Its exceptional case condition, highlighted by broad factory bevels on the lugs, is a detail highly sought after by collectors. Paired with the original Rolex Japan certificate, SCOC certificate, and presentation box, this timepiece is further distinguished by Its dazzling glossy gilt dial, embellished with uniformly aged luminous plots that harmonize with the patina on the hands, showcases a lovely yellow hue, further enhancing the watch's vintage charm and desirability among collectors.

  • 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

Property of a Japanese Collector

76

Ref. 1675
An exceptional stainless steel dual time wristwatch with center seconds, date, black lacquer "exclamation mark" dial, bracelet, pointed crown guards with warranty and presentation box

Circa 1961
39.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$240,000 - 480,000 
€27,800-55,700
$30,800-61,500

Sold for HK$698,500

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

TOKI: Watch Auction

Hong Kong Auction 22 November