Lot 155
  • 155

Rolex

Estimate
50,000 - 60,000 CHF
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Description

  • A RARE AND HISTORICAL 18K YELLOW GOLD AND DIAMOND-SET AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BLACK DIALCIRCA 1950 REF 6305 OYSTER PERPETUAL DATEJUST
  • reptile
  • diameter 36 mm
• automatic nickel lever movement, 17 jewels • black dial with applied dagger and diamond-set numerals (approx. 0.06 cts), dauphine hands, centre seconds, date aperture • 18k yellow gold case with milled bezel, screw-down crown and back • case, dial and movement signed • with a gilt Rolex buckle • presentation case and accompanied by a hand written letter from direct descendant of Bey of Tunis

Provenance

HM Mohamed Lamine Bey

Condition

Automatic movement running and date advancing while cataloguing. Black lacquered dial with gilt tracking and signature in stunnig condition. Case has kept its original proportions - thick and wide lugs with a beautiful satin finish polish. Swiss hallmark to the back of the lug is still sharp. The brevet with the Swiss cross between the lugs is clear, the reference and the serial number 74794 are also. Case is lightly scuffed, small dent to the bezel and lug at 7 o'clock, but this is minor. Overall the piece is in exceptional condition with a royal provenance.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Catalogue Note

The present lot is fitted with one of the rarest dials Rolex has ever produced. This stunning lacquered and gilt dial, set with 6 diamonds, is a rarity usually found on triple calendars models such as the reference 6062. What is interesting to note, is that the present example set with 6 diamonds instead of the usual 5 and is the first example seen at auction with this rare combination (refer to lot 154 ref. 6105 which only has 3 diamonds). The historical provenance relating to his Highness Mohamed Lamine Bey adds to the exclusivity of the piece. 

The last Bey of Tunis, who was the last representative of the Husseinite's dynasty, died in September 1962 in Tunis and was buried at his wife's side, in the cemetery of La Marsa.

The present watch was the only one kept by Bey of Tunis from his personal collection as mentioned in the hand written letter from his direct descendant.

Currently exhibited in the Patek Philippe Museum a Patek Philippe wristwatch with polychrome enamel dial depicting a portrait of the Bey of Tunis.