16th Nov, 2019 10:00 GMT/BST
Autumn Fine Art Sale (Part I)
186
A Rare Stainless Steel Automatic Centre Seconds Wristwatch, signed Rolex, Oyster, Perpetual,...
A Rare Stainless Steel Automatic Centre Seconds Wristwatch, signed Rolex, Oyster, Perpetual, Officially Certified Chronometer, model: Explorer, ref: 6610, 1960, (calibre 1030) lever movement signed and numbered N726168, adjusted to five positions and temperature, butterfly rotor, overcoil hairspring, later 1960's Rolex glossy black finish service dial with luminous Arabic, triangular and baton markers, gilt finished outer minute track with TSwissT mark below 6 for tritium, Mercedes luminous hands, screw down crown, screw back stamped inside Montres Rolex SA and numbered 6610, dated II.60, case serial number 580051, later Rolex stainless steel oyster bracelet with a deployant clasp numbered 62523 H18 and dated P11 for 1991, 34mm wide see illustrations
This Rolex reference was first released on the market in the mid-1950's. It incorporated the new chronometer rated calibre 1030 movement. The newly released reference 6610 had a slimmer movement design which meant the screw-down bubbleback was also more refined and slimmer in design. Rolex started to change the dials in the early 1960's and originally used radium luminous (later known to be hazardous) and were marked below 6 on the dial as Swiss.
This current example has an early Rolex service dial which appears to have been changed probably in the mid-late 1960's, just a few years after this watch was made. These replacement upgrade service dials were changed in the Rolex workshops and marked below 6 TSwissT for tritium luminous. This was a newly tested safe luminous compound which is still used in today's watch market.
Sold for £7,800
Estimated at £4,000 - £6,000
02.10.19 Case with surface scratches and small dents to the sides, bezel and lugs, case back edge with some small opening tool marks, please note that the bracelet is a counterfeit and not by Rolex, bracelet with surface scratches, clasp with minor dents, the Rolex crown is screwing down correctly, plexi glass with scratches and with cracks, in my opinion this is an early replaced Rolex service dial probably replaced in the mid-to late 1960's, luminous hour markers have faded but have a nice patina and with slight shrinkage to the luminous, gilt minute track in good condition and clear, dial overall looks in nice condition, later Rolex service hands would possibly have been changed at the same time, hands with staining marks which are visible under an eyeglass, hand setting correctly, movement needs cleaning, movement in going order.
We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.
Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.
We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.
Auction: Autumn Fine Art Sale (Part I), 16th Nov, 2019
Autumn Fine Art Sale (Part I)
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