Philippe Cousteau’s Rolex Sea-Dweller Sells for $183,750 at Antiquorum Auction


The next four top-selling lots are classic models from Rolex, and the watch shown below was the star of the show. Lot 199 is a Rolex Sea-Dweller ref. 1665, patent pending, with double red Mark I dial. Produced in 1967, this watch belonged to Philippe Cousteau, son of legendary undersea explorer and adventurer Jacques Cousteau. This lot included several Cousteau mementos, including six 8×10 photographs showing Philippe Cousteau wearing the watch. The final sale price was $183,750.

Cousteau Rolex Sea-Dweller 1665
The star of the show: Philippe Cousteau’s double-red, patent-pending Rolex Sea-Dweller.

 

Lot 86 is a Rolex ref. 6263 Daytona chronograph in stainless steel with a tropical dial, so-called because it has faded to a pleasing brown color due to exposure to the sun. Produced in 1978, this watch, with original hands and in excellent overall condition, brought $87,500, well above the high presale estimate of $50,000.

Rolex Cosmograph 6263 tropical dial
This Rolex ref. 6263 chronograph with tropical dial is a home run for many collectors.

 

Lot 90 is a Rolex ref. 6239 “Paul Newman” Oyster Cosmograph Daytona, produced circa 1964. Described as being in exceptional condition, this watch brought $87,500, against a presale estimate of $75,000 to $100,000.

Rolex Paul Newman Daytona
One of the most famous of all collector watches, this “Paul Newman” Daytona brought $87,500.

 

The next lot, number 89, is another Rolex chronograph, this one a reference 6264 in 14k yellow gold. Produced in 1970,this watch was sold on a strap with a gold-plated Rolex buckle, and with a 14k yellow gold Oyster bracelet in need of repair. This lot brought $81,250.

Rolex 6264 chronograph
This Rolex ref. 6264 chronograph illustrates that steel can be more valuable than gold.
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