ROLEX

• cal. 72B nickel lever movement, mono-metallic compensation balance, 17 jewels, adjusted to three positions • silvered brushed dial, applied baton indexes, three engine-turned subsidiary dials indicating constant seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour registers, outer tachometer scale calibrated for miles • tonneau water-resistant-type case, smooth bezel, two round chronograph pushers in the band, screw back and screw-down crown • case, dial and movement signed  • with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet

The movement is running, however it might need service and cleaning soon. The movement is stamped 72B. The dial is in nice and clean condition with some light scratches. A few of the luminescent dots have come off. The case is in nice condition with light wear throughout. The presentation inscription to the outside of the back reads, '1964 American League Champions Presented to Alphonso E. Downing'. The numbers between the lugs are 1007798 and 6238; inside the back is numbered 6238. The bracelet is in nice condition and is numbered 257 to each endpiece and 7835 19 to one end link.
"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."

For a note on this model, see lot 153.

It is interesting to note that the chronograph scale of the present lot is calibrated for miles, an unusual variation that underlines that the watch was made for the American market. Typically, the scales on this reference are calibrated simply for 'base', or a generic tachometer scale.

The present lot was presented to Alphonse E. Downing by the New York Yankees in recognition of winning the 1964 American League Championship.

Alphonse E. 'Al' Downing (b. June 28, 1941)
Al Downing was born in Trenton, New Jersey and debuted as a left-handed pitcher with the New York Yankees in 1961. He played with the club through the 1969 season, when he was traded to the Oakland Athletics.

His years with the Yankees were probably the best years of his career. In 1964, the same year the watch was given, he was the American League Strikeout Champion, throwing 217 strikeouts in the season. On August 11th, 1967, in the second inning against the Cleveland Indians, he threw three strikeouts in a row on only nine pitches, a feat which had only been accomplished 12 times before. He was a strong southpaw in the rotation of the World Series Champion teams of 1961 and 1962.

Downing is probably best known for the dubious distinction of pitching Hank Aaron's 715th home run ball on April 8th, 1974. This home run would put Aaron atop the all-time home run list, breaking Babe Ruth's record of 714 round-trippers.

The New York Yankees were the most dominant American League team from the late 1940s until the mid-1960s, winning 15 of the 18 League pennants from 1947 until 1964 and 10 World Series titles.

This period saw many of the greatest names in Yankees history on the field, and indeed many of the greatest names in the history of the game. Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, Yogi Berra, Don Larson and Roger Marris, all donned the pinstripes during this amazing era.

Although the Yankees did not win the World Series in 1964, they did have a great team to face the St. Louis Cardinals with Lou Brock and Bob Gibson. After the 1964 season, the Yankees would not get back to the World Series for another 12 years - to that point, their longest drought after the 1920s.