Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Hong Kong, Jul 23, 2020
LOT 325
Rolex
Ref. 5100, quartz, centre-seconds, date, Cal. Beta 21; “Quartz”; 18K yellow gold
HKD 135,000 - 230,000
CHF 16,500 - 28,000 / USD 17,500 - 29,900
18K yellow gold, quartz, tonneau-shaped, gentleman’s wristwatch, water-resistant with screwed case-back, fluted bezel, gold colour dial with centre-seconds and one horological complication:
• Date of the month (aperture at 3 o’clock, under Cyclops lens)
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 2-8 |
Very good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 2* |
Very good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 2-01 |
Very good HANDS Original |
Brand Rolex, Geneva
Model Quartz
Reference 5100
Year circa 1975
Case No. 104
Bracelet integrated 18K yellow gold Rolex bracelet with deployant clasp (by Jean-Pierre Ecoffey, Geneva)
Caliber Beta 21, quartz standardization
Dimensions 45 x 39 mm
Signature dial, case and movement
Accessories original fitted box
Notes
Calibre Beta 21
In 1962, the CHE – Centre Electronique Horloger (Electronic Watch Centre) – was founded by a group of 21 Swiss watchmakers, including Audemars Piguet, Omega, Patek Philippe, Piaget and Rolex, to develop an electronic movement for wristwatches.
In 1962, the CHE – Centre Electronique Horloger (Electronic Watch Centre) – was founded by a group of 21 Swiss watchmakers, including Audemars Piguet, Omega, Patek Philippe, Piaget and Rolex, to develop an electronic movement for wristwatches.
The result was the calibre Beta 21 (29 x 24.3 mm.), fitted with a quartz oscillator (8 192 Hz. reduced to 256 Hz. by the frequency reducer), 13 jewel and turning fork escapement (8 000 Hz. quartz module first seen as a prototype in 1967).
In 1968, a consortium of Swiss watch manufacturers was created to mass-produce the Beta 21, in a truly collaborative effort. The CEH designed the module and produced the integrated circuit. Ebauches SA (now ETA) manufactured the mechanical parts of the movement as well as the quartz oscillator, and, Omega produced the micro-motor driving the hands.
The calibre was ready for production in 1969 and was presented at the Basel Fair in 1970.
Bibliography
• Huber, Martin, & Banbery, Alan, Patek Philippe Wristwatches, 1998, pp. 85-87, 332.
Bibliography
• Huber, Martin, & Banbery, Alan, Patek Philippe Wristwatches, 1998, pp. 85-87, 332.