The highlight of the sale was, without doubt, the stainless steel Rolex moonphase calendar wristwatch that Charles described as in ‘exceptional original condition.’ Tearle commented, “After 17 years of involvement in fine vintage watches, it was the finest I have ever seen offered for sale at public auction.” His enthusiasm for the rare Rolex was reinforced by bidders with the successful buyer paying $201,600, a new world record for this model. Interestingly, only three weeks earlier, Bonhams London’s fine watch sale also established a new world record for a Rolex watch, according to the auctioneers, establishing both the UK and US departments as future market leaders.
Other June highlights from Rolex included an Oyster cased version of moonphase calendar wristwatch, this example in 18k gold, selling for $98,400, a rare stainless steel Rolex made for Officine Panerai and issued to Italian Navy Frogmen during World War II proved desirable at $69,000. Several lots provided a clear sign in market demand for steel Rolex sport watches made as recently as 1978, with two versions of the famous Daytona model from that year being acquired for $39,000 and $27,600. Similarly, two steel Rolex GMT models exceeded expectations with a fine original 1959 model selling for $28,800 and a 1960 version for $13,200.

Posted: 07|2|07 at 7:56 am. Filed under: US News.