Phillips watches is staging their biggest auction ever this May in Geneva. 

As you can imagine – there are going to be some very interesting Rolex watches included in this sale. I already mentioned two highlights, the Predaytona 6238 and the Bao Dai Rolex 6062 – two Rolex watches that belong on the very top of the Rolex collecting pyramid. But there a few other noteworthy Rolex watches worth mentioning. Let us take a look at a few.

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The first Rolex is a circa 1960 Killy Ref 6236 last generation. The Killy is one of the most complicated Rolex watches ever made as it features a chronograph with triple date calendar built within an oyster case. They were made in four different series with this version being the last series made. Many collectors give preference to this series as it is most modern in appearance. 

This particular watch is in exceptional condition according to Phillips. The case is strong and the dial remains untouched with the blue calendar ring in nice strong blue and clearly all numbers legible. Notice the closed 6 and 9 on the calendar ring which is typical for this last series reference. Fresh to the market and in excellent overall condition it is estimated at 160’000 – CHF 270’000 by Phillips.

Moving on to Daytona, this circa 1967 Rolex is a Ref 6240 so called ‘Solo dial’. According to Phillips the watch in this dial variation is a unique configuration. Rolex solo Daytona exists in two versions (one with the Rolex only sign) but this watch seems to be the only known ‘Daytona Solo’ version of the iconic reference 6240. 

There are several attributes that make this watch unique for Rolex collectors: 1) mark 1 dial 2) early brass pushers 3) unique dial configuration with Rolex and Daytona as the only writing on the dial. The watch is also featured in the upcoming Fero 150 steel chronograph book. Estimate for this watch is CHF  80’000 – 160’000. 

Staying with Daytona – next a 1969 RolexPanda 6263 with Mark 1 dial and pushers.

This watch belongs to the most collectable of all Rolex Daytona and the Mark 1 dial or early version is especially sought after. This watch carries the correct low 2m serial number and has all the right attributes of being a Mark 1 dial – correct spacings on the letters etc. Other signs point to this watch being perfectly original include: Caseback stamped 6239, correct end links of 71N. The dial of the watch is especially pleasing having turned Ivory and the outer ring minute track has turned a rich mocha brown according to Phillips. 

This watch is one of the best 6263 Panda to appear on the market in recent years according to the auction house and thus it carries an accordingly high estimate.

Estimate is CHF 350- 700’000.

The next watch is a Daytona FAP (Peruvian Airforce). According to Phillips it is one of the best FAPs ever offered – a top quality Daytona estimated at CHF 50-100’000. 

Continuing with Daytona a wonderful 6263 with delightful terra cotta turned sub-dials. Besides the overall very good condition of this watch – the key attraction must certainly be those wonderful sub dials. Estimate is CHF 60 – 120’000.

The last Daytona is a 1963 Rolex Ref 6239 Double Swiss Underline with correct bezel markings to 275/300.

In addition the double Swiss underline should be within a specific period case number as is this watch with 922 xxx. Other attributes that make this watch unique are thinner than usual hands (known as stick hands) and the additional Swiss sign at the bottom of the case (two Swiss signs in total). The watch has some light spotting throughout on the dial visible in the picture below but otherwise in good and honest condition.

Estimate is CHF 100 – 200’000.

Moving on to a very rare Submariner – we have a circa 1959 Rolex Ref 6538 big crown with four line text.

This watch is especially coveted by collectors due to the James Bond association and its rugged good looks and big Brevet crown of 8mm. Many of these 6538 came with two line of text but this version is also known as a four liner with OCC written in edition below the depth rating. The case back of this watch is stamped correctly at IV 1958 and the big logo bracelet further compliments the originality of this watch. 

What is most astounding is that this watch comes with: The original guarantee stamped September 1960, the original rating certificate, product literature and hang tag and box. The dial of this watch has aged nicely and you notice the strong gilt printing that the watch continues to carry today. The lume plots are rich and creamy and have a slight orange tone according to Phillips. 

Let us take a look at this four line dial more closely.

The different colors of text is superb and delightful. Notice the dial has just slight spider lines something that Phillips also notes in the lot notes for this watch. Estimate for this rare big crown 4line diving watch is CHF 200’000 – 400’000.

I love the Brevet winding crown 8mm that comes with the big crown.

Next we have a very rare and early 1950s Rolex 6350 Explorer honeycomb dial with correct long hour ‘mercedes’ hands.

Apparently, the radium is off the charts with this watch. Starting estimate from my memory is around CHF 15’000. I wrote a detailed report on this rare Rolex watch which can be found here. There are a lot of details to get right with this watch and in this respect the report is useful for the collector of this reference.

Last one of my favourite watches being offered: a very rare ‘Day Date’ Oman Khanjar signed dial with Asprey stamp on the case. Additionally the case is a wonderful ‘barc ‘ finish. Estimate is CHF 20- 30’000.