18 Exceptional Rolex Chronographs for Sale at Phillips' Start/Stop/Reset Auction

Written By: Paul Altieri

Rolex Ref. 6263 'Tropical Panda' (Image courtesy of Phillips) — Rolex Ref. 6263 ‘Tropical Panda’ (Image courtesy of Phillips)

The countdown to the thematic stainless steel chronograph event has begun

The current it auction house, Phillips, has lined up yet another buzz-worthy event with their Start/Stop/Reset: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs thematic auction, scheduled to take place on May 14, 2016, in Geneva. As its name suggests, an incredible selection of stainless steel chronograph watches will be presented from the worlds’ leading names in chronograph manufacturing. Cementing its chief position in the domain of luxury chronographs, 18 of the 88 lots are Rolex pieces — the highest number of any brand at the auction.

Exciting, dynamic, sporty, and most importantly, great looking, the Rolex stainless steel chronograph, whether it be a Pre-Oyster, Paul Newman Daytona, traditional Daytona, or everything in between, has always been a force to be reckoned with. And the assortment of historically relevant Rolex chronos in original condition that will be offered by Phillips is indeed, as they have chosen to describe it, epic.

So if you are a fan of steel chronographs from Rolex, particularly vintage ones, then sit back, grab your drink of choice, and enjoy the feast before you.

1. Rolex Ref. 16520 ‘Porcelain Dial’

Estimate $20,600-41,100
Year: 1989

Phillips-Cosmograph-Daytona-16520 — Rolex Ref. 16520 “Porcelain Dial” (Image courtesy of Phillips)

2. Rolex Ref. 6239 ‘Cherry Logo’

Year: 1967
Estimate: $30,800-61,700

Rolex Ref. 6239 ‘Cherry Logo’ (Image courtesy of Phillips)

3. Rolex ‘Pre-Daytona Tiffany & Co.’

Year: 1964
Estimate: $51,400-102,800

Rolex ‘Pre-Daytona Tiffany & Co. (Image courtesy of Phillips)

4. Rolex Ref. 6263 ‘Tiffany & Co.’

Year: 1980
Estimate: $51,400-102,800

Rolex Ref. 6263 ‘Tiffany & Co.’ (Image courtesy of Phillips)

5. Vintage Rolex Ref. 6238 ‘Black Pre-Daytona’

Year: 1963
Estimate: $61,700-123,300

Rolex Ref. 6238 ‘Black Pre-Daytona’ (Image courtesy of Phillips)

6. Rolex Ref. 3997 ‘Tropical’

Year: 1941
Estimate: $61,700-123,300

Rolex Ref. 3997 'Tropical’ (Image courtesy of Phillips) — Rolex Ref. 3997 ‘Tropical’ (Image courtesy of Phillips)

7. Rolex Ref. 6240 ‘Oyster Alpina’

Year: 1966
Estimate: $102,800-205,600

Rolex Ref. 6240 ‘Oyster Alpina’ (Image courtesy of Phillips)

8. Rolex Ref. 6264 ‘Musketeer Paul Newman’

Year: 1970
Estimate: $102,800-205,600

Rolex Ref. 6264 ‘Musketeer Paul Newman’ (Image courtesy of Phillips)

9. Rolex Ref. 6262 ‘Musketeer Paul Newman’

Year: 1971
Estimate: $102,800-205,600

Phillips-Rolex-6262-Musketeer-Paul-Newman — Rolex Ref. 6262 ‘Musketeer Paul Newman’ (Image courtesy of Phillips)

10. Rolex Ref. 6234 ‘Laccato Nero’

Year: 1965
Estimate: $123,300-246,700

Rolex Ref. 6234 'Laccato Nero' (Image courtesy of Phillips) — Rolex Ref. 6234 ‘Laccato Nero’ (Image courtesy of Phillips)

11. Rolex Ref. 2508 ‘Black Grail’

Year: 1936
Estimate: $205,600-411,100

Rolex Ref. 2508 ‘Black Grail’ (Image courtesy of Phillips)

12. Rolex Ref. 6263 ‘U.A.E. Desert Eagle’

Year: 1977
Estimate: $205,600-411,100

Rolex Ref. 6263 ‘U.A.E. Desert Eagle’ (Image courtesy of Phillips)

13. Rolex Ref. 3330 ‘Rose Dial’

Year: 1939
Estimate:$205,600-411,100

Rolex Ref. 3330 ‘Rose Dial’ (Image courtesy of Phillips)

14. Rolex Ref. 3346 Zerographe

Year: 1937
Estimate: $257,000-513,900

Rolex Ref. 3346 Zerographe (Image courtesy of Phillips)

15. Rolex Ref. 6263 ‘Tropical Panda’

Year: 1969
Estimate: $308,400-616,400

16. Rolex Ref. 6239 ‘The Doctor’

Year: 1966
Estimate: $359,700-719,500

Rolex Ref. 6239 ‘The Doctor’ (Image courtesy of Phillips)

17. Rolex Ref. 6263 ‘Tropical Oyster Sotto’

Year: 1969
Estimate: $770,900-1,541,800

Rolex Ref. 6263 ‘Tropical Oyster Sotto’ (Image courtesy of Phillips)

18. Rolex Ref. 4113 ‘Split-Seconds’

Year: 1942
Estimate: $822,300-1,644,600

Rolex Ref. 4113 'Split-Seconds' (Image courtesy of Phillips) — Rolex Ref. 4113 ‘Split-Seconds’ (Image courtesy of Phillips)

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About Paul Altieri

Paul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. - the largest and most trusted name in luxury watches. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. Paul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

18 Exceptional Rolex Chronographs for Sale at Phillips’ Start/Stop/Reset Auction