It is hard to imagine nowadays that in the history of horology, the start of the wristwatch collecting phenomenon was extremely recent. Until the mid-1970s, watch collecting in most part referred to collections of pocket watches and clocks. It was only in the late 1970s and early 1980s that wristwatches were traded and auctioned as collectibles. There began the circulation of shared information and opinions about the history and trends of modern watchmaking, which was multiplied thousand-fold with the advent of the internet.While watch enthusiasts appreciate modern watches for their cutting edge technology, highly developed handcrafting skills combined with contemporary manufacturing processes, a respect for the pioneers of haute horlogerie, traditional handcraftsmanship and nostalgia for a bygone era have contributed to the increase of vintage watch collectors in recent years. Whereas improved technologies are providing more precision and uniformity in production standards, vintage timepieces provide an innate charm emanating from incarnations of the lives they had lived with previous owners. They also embody the early horological experimentations and innovations, which in some cases, translate to appealing unique characteristics that only time can provide, allowing for particular shades of patina to the case and changes of the tones of the dials in an age before colour fastness existed. These endearing idiosyncrasies are exactly the elements that fuel the passion and the thrill of the chase of vintage watch collectors. Collectors are always drawn to an object that they are familiar with. It is therefore logical that vintage watch collectors are drawn foremost to Rolex, probably the world’s most recognizable watch brand. Due to Rolex’s sheer number of production over a long period across all the models, their wristwatches provide collectors with endless variations and peculiarities in the case, dial and bracelets as well as an infinite possibility of finding a rare or unique example. Not confining themselves to Rolex watches, collectors gradually expand their awareness to other great makers such as Universal Genève, Omega, Longines and Tudor, showcasing the DNA of these storied brands. One must, however, not lose sight of the fact that these timepieces were firstly utilitarian pieces, not the luxury objects that one regard them as today, but vital pieces of equipment required by professionals in their line of work. Whether it be a Submariner, Seamaster or Scafograf at the bottom of the sea being used to calculate decompression time, or a Speedmaster, Monte Carlo and Compax timing a fastest lap at Daytona Speedway or a critical duration on an Apollo space mission, many of these watches have been “field tested” and valued for their mechanical prowess and precision. Stainless steel sports watches have been a focus for many vintage watch collectors, however, it is worth considering that not every wearer was summiting Everest like Edmond Hillary. Over the years, beautiful gold time-only watches such as the legendary Patek Philippe Calatrava, as well as rarities such as the Rolex ultra-thin Verislim and Veriflat were choices of discerning individuals, and still make for elegant day-to-day wear that will no doubt attract the attention of likeminded collectors.This carefully curated offering of vintage watches is, to date, the most significant in the watch auctions of Christie’s Hong Kong. Among the many exciting pieces, we are particularly privileged to be entrusted to bring to the market a fine selection of watches from a visionary and highly regarded collector, who saw the trend of the watch market towards vintage watches, long before many others. In his tireless pursuit to own an incredible cross section of watches, he has acquired wonderful examples of watches which, at the time were not held in high regard and passed relatively unnoticed, but are now becoming more and more desirable. Given that these watches are no longer in production, this collection provides a notable opportunity for watch lovers to fulfil their constant quest for uniqueness and individuality in their collection. THE PROPERTY OF A VISIONARY ASIAN PRIVATE COLLECTOR

ROLEX. A RARE AND INTERESTING STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH SWEEP CENTRE SECONDS

SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER PERPETUAL, EXPLORER, REF. 6098, CASE NO.912’467, CIRCA 1952

Details

ROLEX. A RARE AND INTERESTING STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH SWEEP CENTRE SECONDS
SIGNED ROLEX, OYSTER PERPETUAL, EXPLORER, REF. 6098, CASE NO.912’467, CIRCA 1952
MOVEMENT: Automatic, Cal. A296
DIAL: Black, applied gilt dagger and Arabic 12 numerals, sweep centre seconds
CASE: Stainless steel, screw down back stamped IV.52 and 6098 inside, 36 mm. diam.
STRAP/BUCKLE: Unsigned leather strap, stainless steel Rolex buckle

Brought to you by

Lindi Cheng

lcheng@christies.com +852 2978 6861

Lot Essay

On the 29th May 1953 Edmund Hillary and the Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay become the first people to successfully reach the summit of Mount Everest. On the wrist of Hillary was a Rolex reference 6098, similar to the piece offered here. This example is exceptionally rare due to the Explorer name printed to the dial.

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