$48,000
Ref. 1016, Space-Dweller Rolex, “Oyster Perpetual, Space-Dweller, Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified”, Ref. 1016. Made in 1963. Fine and extremely rare center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel wristwatch with a stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet. Accompanied by a recent service invoice and a pouch. Three-body, polished and brushed, screw-down case back and crown. Black with luminous Arabic numerals and baton indexes, outer minute/seconds divisions. Luminous steel skeleton hands. Cal. 1560, rhodium-plated, 25 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions, shock absorber, self-compensating free-sprung Breguet balance spring, Microstella regulating screws. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 36 mm. Thickness 13 mm. Notes The “Space Dweller” was first introduced on the Japanese market in 1963, just after a visit to Japan by the Project Mercury astronauts. Initiated in 1958 and completed in 1963, Project Mercury was the United States' first man-in-space program. The Space Dweller was made to honor these men, who were (at that time) seen as the ultimate explorers. The watch was not a major seller, either in Japan or elsewhere, and very few of the "Space Dweller" watches have surfaced.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2008-04-17
