(Photo credit : Phillips)
On the first day of the Phillips/ Bacs & Russo auction in Geneva this weekend, what is known as the Rolex ‘Bao Dai’ (Keeper of Greatness) Ref 6062 sold to a phone bidder for 5,066,000 CHF (including buyer’s premium), doubling the previous Rolex record of 2.4 million CHF set last year by the Rolex Ref. 4113. Ten bidders competed for the lot.
This Rolex 6062 triple calendar moonphase is one of only three black dial models known to be set with diamond markers, and of the three, the only example to feature diamond markers at the even hours. You will also note the different dial layout, with the Rolex crown, “Rolex Oyster Perpetual”, and “Officially Certified Chronometer” moved.
(Photo credit : Phillips)
It is called ‘Bao Dai’ after its original owner His Majesty Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam, who bought it in Geneva in 1954. It first appeared on the market in 2002, consigned by his familyk and was sold by Phillips for a record breaking 370,000 CHF, making it the most expensive Rolex ever sold at auction at the time.
The official lot details are as follows :
Manufacturer: Rolex
Year: 1952
Reference No: 6062
Movement No: N32’589
Case No: 916’366
Model Name: “Bao Dai”
Material: 18K yellow gold
Calibre: Automatic, cal. 9 3/4”’, 18 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold “Jubilee” bracelet, max length 220mm. Further accompanied by a leather strap.
Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold deployant clasp, stamped 2-53
Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Provenance: Phillips, de Pury & Luxembourg, Geneva, November 18, 2002
Literature: The present ref 6062 is documented and illustrated in “100 Superlative Rolex Watches” by John Goldberger
For more information on the watch itself, click on this link.
Categories: Auctions, Rolex, Switzerland, Vintage Rolex, watches
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