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Lot Essay
In wonderfully untouched condition and radiating honest originality, this extremely rare reference 6062 ‘stelline’ is a superb discovery to the world of Rolex collectors. To the best of our knowledge, it has never been offered at auction before.
Of the approximately 670 reference 6062 produced in yellow gold, less than 150 examples have ever appeared on the open market. Of these, few are fitted with the iconic luminous version of the ‘Star Dial’. The dial is in superbly original condition, retaining its subtle grainé finish and original printing throughout. Furthermore, the apertures for the month and weekday indications are sharp and angular, a feature which is so easily lost when such a dial is refinished. The case is very attractive with lines well preserved, both on the upper side and also to the back which retains its original satin finish and clear hallmark. Similarly preserved between the lugs, the reference number is still fully legible.
This example of this trophy model, fresh to the market, with the rare luminous ‘star’ dial and in such untouched and original condition after 70 years presents an opportunity not to be missed.
The Dial
The present watch is fitted with a ‘Mark 1, Dial Type 755’ by Stern Frères, it is the only dial made for this reference which has star-shaped hour markers with three faceted dagger-shaped hour markers at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock with luminous material to their centres. Only one other dial variant (Dial Type 453) has star-shaped numerals, however, the luminous material is not central to the numerals but rather stands as an accent on the outer dial. The gold luminous stars are a rarity for this dial configuration and would originally have shone brightly against the matte silvered dial. The moon phase disc was produced by Stern Frères with the blue enamel champlevé technique, also used in Patek Philippe calendar watches. However, for this model they were produced with the moon having eyes, a nose and a mouth, adding increased charm to the dial. The calendar discs, also made by Stern Frères, are with inscriptions painted black and were produced in five languages; English, French, German, Italian or Spanish, the present example in English.
The Case
Evidently worn regularly over many decades, the present watch does show signs of a life well lived. Nowadays, we cherish and appreciate watches such as this for their rarity and vintage character.
The gold cases of the reference 6062 were made by Genex, in Geneva, the case department of Gay Frères. The master case maker mark for Genex is number 12 inside a key, ‘12’ for Genex, the key for Geneva. The present watch also retains the original crown, a most meaningful feature to the purist collector.
Movement
The caliber 655 was especially developed for this reference, it boasted the latest in technology, the patented Rolex Super-Balance. The automatic movement has an added function that allows the calendar to advance through the setting pin holes in the band. Reference 6062 along with the reference 8171 are the only watches ever made by Rolex in series with a triple date and moon phases until 2017.
Of the approximately 670 reference 6062 produced in yellow gold, less than 150 examples have ever appeared on the open market. Of these, few are fitted with the iconic luminous version of the ‘Star Dial’. The dial is in superbly original condition, retaining its subtle grainé finish and original printing throughout. Furthermore, the apertures for the month and weekday indications are sharp and angular, a feature which is so easily lost when such a dial is refinished. The case is very attractive with lines well preserved, both on the upper side and also to the back which retains its original satin finish and clear hallmark. Similarly preserved between the lugs, the reference number is still fully legible.
This example of this trophy model, fresh to the market, with the rare luminous ‘star’ dial and in such untouched and original condition after 70 years presents an opportunity not to be missed.
The Dial
The present watch is fitted with a ‘Mark 1, Dial Type 755’ by Stern Frères, it is the only dial made for this reference which has star-shaped hour markers with three faceted dagger-shaped hour markers at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock with luminous material to their centres. Only one other dial variant (Dial Type 453) has star-shaped numerals, however, the luminous material is not central to the numerals but rather stands as an accent on the outer dial. The gold luminous stars are a rarity for this dial configuration and would originally have shone brightly against the matte silvered dial. The moon phase disc was produced by Stern Frères with the blue enamel champlevé technique, also used in Patek Philippe calendar watches. However, for this model they were produced with the moon having eyes, a nose and a mouth, adding increased charm to the dial. The calendar discs, also made by Stern Frères, are with inscriptions painted black and were produced in five languages; English, French, German, Italian or Spanish, the present example in English.
The Case
Evidently worn regularly over many decades, the present watch does show signs of a life well lived. Nowadays, we cherish and appreciate watches such as this for their rarity and vintage character.
The gold cases of the reference 6062 were made by Genex, in Geneva, the case department of Gay Frères. The master case maker mark for Genex is number 12 inside a key, ‘12’ for Genex, the key for Geneva. The present watch also retains the original crown, a most meaningful feature to the purist collector.
Movement
The caliber 655 was especially developed for this reference, it boasted the latest in technology, the patented Rolex Super-Balance. The automatic movement has an added function that allows the calendar to advance through the setting pin holes in the band. Reference 6062 along with the reference 8171 are the only watches ever made by Rolex in series with a triple date and moon phases until 2017.