Phillips auction home in affiliation with Bacs & Russo will offer no fewer than seven rare Rolex watches at its next auction in Geneva, to be held May 13 and 14 at the Hotel La Réserve.
The sale is led by the iconic Rolex Reference 6062, “Bao Dai,” which the auction residence says is among the “most valuable and desirable Rolexes” and the “most complicated and iconic Oyster-cased model” ever made by the Swiss watch manufacturer. In addition to its rarity, this particular model also has imperial provenance. It has a pre-sale estimate of more than $1.5 million.
This Rolex triple calendar with moonphase in yellow gold is one of three black dial models known to exist with diamond markers, the auction home said in a statement. Of the three, the Bao Dai, is the only one to feature diamond markers at the even hours.
The watch’s value is further enhanced by its provenance, the last emperor of Vietnam. According to family legend, purchased the watch in Geneva in 1954, while he attended a conference seeking peace in Indochina.
The Bao Dai was first sold at Phillips in 2002 for what was at the time the most expensive Fake Rolex Swiss Watches ever acquired at auction, according to the auction home. A private collector was winning bidder and it had stayed in private hands since.
Aurel Bacs, senior consultant at Phillips, sold the watch at that time.
“It is an absolute privilege to offer the replica Rolex 6062 ‘Bao Dai’ for the second time in my career,” Bacs said. “With its incredible imperial provenance, stunning condition, and exceptional rarity, it’s a mythical watch that occupies the dreams of scholars, collectors, and enthusiasts all over the world.”
Other rare Rolex watches to be sold at the two-day auction include the following:
The yellow gold Rolex chronograph, known as “The Legend,” with “lemon” dial, white graphics and bracelet, circa 1969, is the third known yellow gold Paul Newman Daytona with screw down pushers to appear on the market, according to the auction household. Its estimate is $815,000 – $1.6 million.
Courtesy of Phillips auction property
This 37mm yellow gold replica Rolex watch, circa 1953, is one of two reference 8382s to feature a cloisonné enamel dial depicting Neptune riding the sea. The dial was created by acclaimed enamel artist, Nelly Richard. Its estimate is $305,000 to $610,000.
This triple calendar Rolex watch, circa 1953, with two-tone dial, moonphase and bracelet, and Arabic numerals at 3 and 9 o’clock is among a handful of examples to survive in original condition, the auction residence said. Its estimate is $610,000 – $1.2 million.
Described by the auction residence as “fine, rare, important and probably unique,” this 14k yellow gold Rolex chronograph, circa 1968, is the only known and correct “John Player Special” Paul Newman Daytona retailed by Tiffany & Co, featuring the retailer’s signature on the dial. Its moniker is derived from the color scheme of the iconic “John Player Special” Formula One automobile. Its estimate is $406,000 – $813,000.
This yellow gold Rolex chronograph with champagne dial and bracelet, especially made for the Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Saided of Oman, circa 1973. This watch is the only known example of a reference 6265 in yellow gold to feature the red Qaboos signature, according to the auction residence. Its estimate is $203,000 – $406,000.
This 14k yellow gold Rolex chronograph with black galvanic dial and bracelet, circa 1967, is the second known example to appear on the market, which highlights its rarity, the auction property says. Its estimate is $254,000 to $508,000.
Highlights from the auction will be on view in Hong Kong, April 1 – 4, London, April 8 – 11, New York, April 21 – 24, and in Geneva beginning May 11.