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Lot Essay
The Rolex King Midas, widely recognized as the model worn by Elvis Presley, was designed by Gerald Genta. Genta was one of the most creative watch designers, known for iconic models such as the Patek Philippe Nautilus, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, and the Cartier Pasha.
The King Midas series was designed based on the Greek Pantheon temple, and at the time was the most expensive model produced by Rolex, and considered the heaviest gold wristwatch on the market. The cases were made from a block of 18k yellow or white gold, and weighed between 150 and 200 grams, depending on the model. The first King Midas model, the reference 9630, was launched in the late 1960's, and produced in a limited edition of 1000 examples. A lady's version, called the Queen Midas, was also produced.
The most famous example of the King Midas was worn by Elvis Presley. While performing six shows at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 1970, he was presented with a yellow gold reference 9630, No. 343. Today, this watch is on display at his home Graceland. Another famous example of the King Midas was worn in the 1974 James Bond movie, "The Man with the Golden Gun", by the villain Francisco Scaramanga, played by Christopher Lee.
The King Midas series was designed based on the Greek Pantheon temple, and at the time was the most expensive model produced by Rolex, and considered the heaviest gold wristwatch on the market. The cases were made from a block of 18k yellow or white gold, and weighed between 150 and 200 grams, depending on the model. The first King Midas model, the reference 9630, was launched in the late 1960's, and produced in a limited edition of 1000 examples. A lady's version, called the Queen Midas, was also produced.
The most famous example of the King Midas was worn by Elvis Presley. While performing six shows at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 1970, he was presented with a yellow gold reference 9630, No. 343. Today, this watch is on display at his home Graceland. Another famous example of the King Midas was worn in the 1974 James Bond movie, "The Man with the Golden Gun", by the villain Francisco Scaramanga, played by Christopher Lee.