ROLEX DATEJUST WITH THUNDERBIRD BEZEL, REF. 1625Important information about this lot
Price Realised USD 3,750
Estimate
USD 3,000 - USD 5,000
Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
Place de la Taconnerie 8, Geneva, 1204, Switzerland
Phone: +1 212 636 2002
Fax: +41 22 319 1767
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A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
Lot Essay
The immediately recognizable so-called Thunderbird bezel derives its names from an old Rolex advertisement, in which a watch bearing this bezel was associated with the American acrobatic squadron, aka “The Thunderbirds”. Since then, it continuously climbed in popularity until achieving a nearly mythical status among Rolex collectors. The watch has an interesting stepped dial that features both a “SWISS MADE” and “T SWISS T” designation the dial, perhaps from a period of transition to tritium lume.
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You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing and the date changes when the hands pass midnight. A service is however recommended for oiling and cleaning. The dial is nice, clean and original. The luminous accents have darkened with age and some have partially flaked off. The lume in the hands may be refreshed. The case is in very good condition, with minimal sign of polishing and wear. The Thunderbird bezel well preserved and with crisp engravings. The case back in similar condition with crisp milling. It is stamped 1625 and IV 65 to the inside. The later bracelet with moderate stretch to the links is in good overall condition. Minor and light surface scratches present. It is stamped 55 to the end links and 12-74 to the clasp.
The condition of lots sold can vary widely due to factors such as age, previous damage, restoration, repair and wear and tear. The nature of the lots sold means that they will rarely be in perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale