Lot 23
  • 23

Rolex

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 CHF
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Description

  • A STAINLESS STEEL CENTRE SECONDS AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH AND BRACELET BELONGING TO THE CLIMATOLOGY SCIENTIST JANUSZ KURBIEL CIRCA 1979 REF 1019 OYSTER PERPETUAL MILGAUSS
  • diameter 37mm
• cal. 1580 automatic lever movement, 26 jewels, metal dust cover, mono-metallic balance • silvered dial, applied baton faceted numerals, luminescent dot markers and hands, centre seconds hand with red tip • Rolex Oyster anti-magnetic case, screw-down crown and case back • case, dial and movement signed • stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet with flip lock clasp • presentation case

Condition

The movement is running while cataloguing however it may require a service in the near future in order to be well preserved. The dial is in very good condition. Some light scuffs to the glass. The case shows some light scuffs to the bezel hedge between 8 and 9 o'clock. Overall this watch is in good condition. Reference number between lugs 1019 matching n° on inside case back Serial number between lugs 6159419
"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

Janusz Kurbiel is a Polish doctor in polar climatology who graduated from the celebrated French university La Sorbonne. Since 1975, he has conducted several scientific expeditions in partnership with his wife on board of their self-built sailboat Vagabond, especially in the region of Greenland and Iceland. As other known explorers, he was supported by Rolex for his exceptional achievements and the pivotal role he played in understanding the mystical polar caps.

The present watch was specially manufactured by Rolex according to Mr Kurbiel's instructions for his 1981-1983 expedition to the Magnetic Northern Pole. Kurbiel and his wife embarked on his exploration sailing boat Vagabond'eux in 1981. They were stopped by the ice 60 nm from their target and continued their route on snow-bike and sleigh and finally reached the Magnetic Northern Pole on 24th April 1983. They achieved important scientific work and studied the Omega navigation system used to determine a geographical position. This system was very useful at a time when satellites were not exhaustive. The explorations of Janusz Kurbiel to the North Pole were used as one of the advertising slogans to promote Rolex watches during the 1980's.