Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Monaco, Jul 21, 2021
LOT 137
Rolex
Ref. 6298, self-winding, centre-second; so-called "Himalaya 1952"; “Oyster Perpetual”; stainless steel
Ref. 6298, self-winding, centre-second; so-called "Himalaya 1952"; “Oyster Perpetual”; stainless steel
EUR 5,000 - 15,000
USD 6,000 - 17,900 / HKD 46,200 - 140,000
Sold: EUR 11,180
Fine and rare, stainless steel, tonneau-shaped, gentleman’s wristwatch, silver colour dial with centre-seconds; case-back engraved “LUCIEN GEORGE GARHWAL HIMALAYA 1952”.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: |
|
Case: 2-8 |
Very good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 2* |
Very good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-7-01 |
Good Oxidized HANDS Original |
Brand Rolex, Geneva
Model “Oyster Perpetual“
Reference 6298
Year 1953
Movement No. D 246 872
Case No. 929 251 (inside case-back stamped “IV.53 / 18”)
Bracelet leather strap
Buckle stainless steel Rolex buckle
Diameter 36 mm
Caliber 1570
Signature dial, case and movement
Notes
This "Oyster", produced approximately in 1952, is engraved on its case back with the name “Lucien Georges”, the famous Swiss mountaineer who was part of the French expedition that attempted to climb Mount Chaukhamba. He achieved this goal with his compatriot, Victor Russenberger, on June 13, 1952, one year before Sir Edmund Hillary conquered Everest. Such a watch can only echo the genesis of the "Explorer I". The first prototypes of the "Explorer I" appeared at the end of 1952 and were given to alpinists for several trials in real conditions. At this stage of development, they were simply bubble-backs with a white dial with applied "arrowhead" indexes at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock and "leaf" hands, with no mention of the word "Explorer" written on them.