2 Rolex (and one Tudor) you can't miss – Antiquorum September the 30th
September is an important month for watch collectors and even more so this year as the most prestigious auctioneers are selling very rare and highly sought after timepieces. Antiquorum, just to name the world's leading auction house, will be offering many valuable and highly sought after wristwatches. Three of them, all made by Rolex, will be the eye catchers.
The first on the list is out of the ordinary and for more than a reason: it is a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Sea-Dweller belonged to Philippe Cousteau, son of renowned oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. Philippe started soon to travel the world with his father Jacques; he co-developed the very first professional re-breathing system while diving, by collaborating with the Acqualung company and released the film “The world of silence” dedicated to the under water life, that was then awarded the prestigious Palme d'Or in 1956. He tragically died in 1979, because of a flight crash near Lisbon. Philippe's Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665 has serial number 1602920. Made in 1967, it is a Chronometer with double red Sea-Dweller logo on the dial, helium escape valve, date and stainless steel bracelet with Rolex Oyster Fliplock locking system and, what's most important, it is one of just 7 pieces ever made. It comes with some memorabilia, among which are six 8 x 10 photos of Philippe while he's wearing the watch and the book "Diving Companions" written by his father Jacques and Philippe Diole.
The Rolex Ref. 1665 may be regarded as the precursor of modern diving watches. Its historical value, the very exclusive production along with the allure of having been wrapped around Philippe's wrist, makes it highly sought after with a starting bid price between $100.000 and $150.000.
The other two on this list are less exclusive but still very interesting and truly represent a good opportunity to enrich your personal collection with hard to find Rolex and Tudor. The first one is a “modern” Rolex, as it has been made in 1999, but quite appealing as it is a Rolex Air-King Ref. 14000 with the Ferrari logo on the dial and comes with its original box. Its base price is, in Swiss Francs, between 4500 and 6200.
The last one is a Tudor Ref. 7934 Oyster Royal, with anti-shock winding rotor, case n°351683, Ref.7934, made by Rolex. Produced in 1961, it features an Oyster stainless steel bracelet and starts between 900 and 1800 Swiss Francs.
Three timepieces, three different proposals, a great opportunity to add something unique to your collection.
(Photo credit: courtesy of Antiquorum; Google)
Gaetano C. @Horbiter®
