Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo has set a new world record for any Rolex wristwatch at auction. After an eight minute bidding battle between ten bidders in the room and three on the telephone, the Rolex Reference 6062, “Bao Dai” sold for CHF 5,066,000 (€4,629,817 / US$5,060,427) to a phone bidder. In the packed saleroom of the Hôtel La Réserve in Geneva, watch enthusiasts from around the world followed this historical moment after months of anticipation.
The Rolex Reference 6062, “Bao Dai”, is considered as being amongst the most valuable and desirable Rolexes ever made by the Swiss manufacturer. This triple calendar timepiece with moonphase in yellow gold is one of only three black dial models known to exist with diamond markers. Of the three, the Bao Dai is the only example to feature diamond markers at the even hours. This is further enhanced by imperial provenance, having belonged to His Majesty Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam. The “Bao Dai” first appeared on the market in 2002, when Phillips sold it for a then record-breaking price, making it the most expensive Rolex ever sold at auction.