Property from the Original Family
Rolex
Datejust, Reference 1601 | A yellow gold wristwatch with date | Circa 1963
Auction Closed
November 10, 01:01 PM GMT
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
Dial: silvered
Calibre: cal. 1560 automatic, 26 jewels
Movement number: D40'298
Case: 18k yellow gold, screw-down case back
Case number: 938'383
Closure: 18k yellow gold Rolex buckle
Size: 37 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: no
Accessories: Rolex blank warranty, instruction manual, hang tag, presentation case, UNLIGHT A/C Squadron, UN badge and two pictures of the original owner
Right after the tragic airplane crash in Congo, causing the death of United Nations General Secretary Mr Dag Hammarskjöld, UN asked the Swedish government to provide a group of airplanes to protect United Nations cargo planes in the area of Congo.
Mr Lars Henriksson joined the United Nation Fighter Squadron in Congo in 1961 as and served as Technical Chief for the squadron until 1964.
When leaving his position at United Nations the present watch was given to Mr Lars Henriksson, the engraving on the case back shows the importance of this period in his life The watch is accompanied by a photography and a badge from his time with United Nations.
The Datejust is one of the best known pieces in Rolex's repertoire. Introduced in 1945, it was first exclusively produced in yellow gold but given its success Rolex soon started experimenting with different material variations.
The present example was manufactured in the early 1960s and features a rare and delightful silver dial, creating a perfect contrast with the yellow gold Oyster case and the leather strap.