In association with Bacs & Russo, Phillips announces a selection of iconic Rolex for the Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE. The sale is led by Reference 6062, “Bao Dai”, considered by the collecting community as being amongst the most valuable and desirable Rolexes ever made.
This triple calendar with moonphase in yellow gold is one of only three black dial models with diamond markers. “Bao Dai” is the only one to feature diamond markers at the even hours, making this piece unique. The watch is further enhanced by imperial provenance, having belonged to His Majesty Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam. According to family tradition, Bao Dai purchased the watch himself in Geneva in 1954.
This model is the most complicated and iconic Oyster-cased model created by Rolex, featuring day, date, month and moonphase inidcations. It 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 an auction.
The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE will include other exceptional Rolex timepieces, such as: The Gold Oyster Paul Newman Chronograph (one of only three known), an attractive yellow gold Rolex chronograph wristwatch with “lemon dial” and white graphics, circa 1969; The Neptune, a rare yellow gold Rolex watch with cloisonné enamel dial depicting Neptune riding the sea, circa 1953; The Stainless Steel 6062, a triple calendar watch with two-tone dial and moonphase, circa 1953; The Tiffany & Co. John Player Special Paul Newman Daytona, a fine and probably unique 14K yellow gold Rolex chronograph wristwatch, retailed by Tiffany & Co., circa 1968; The Only Gold “Qaboos” Daytona, a yellow gold Rolex chronograph watch with champagne dial, especially made for the Sultanate of Oman, circa 1973; The Pre-daytona Chronograph with Black Galvanic Dial, an extremely rare 14K yellow gold Rolex chronograph watch, with black galvanic dial, circa 1967.
The highlights of the auction will be on view in Hong Kong (1 to 4 April), London (8 to 11 April) and New York (21 to 24 April), before the pre-sale exhibitions starting in Geneva on May 11.
