Very Rare Rolex 6062 ‘Bao Dai’ Sells For $5,060,427 at Philipps’ To Become The Most Expensive Rolex To Sell At Auction

News this week focuses on a Philipps auction in Geneva, home to the largest Rolex sale in auction to date. The Rolex reference 6062 “Bao Dai” sold for $5,060,427, making it the most expensive Rolex ever sold, setting a new world record – as everyone expected it would.

The unique ref. 6062 “Bao Dai” is special for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is the only known example of the ref. 6062 with a black dial and diamond indexes. The watch also belonged to the last emperor of Vietnam, who was quite known for his turbulent reign as emperor. Nonetheless, many expected the watch to break the previous Rolex record, held by a split-seconds chronograph ref. 4113 sold at Philipps, but the “Bao Dai” made sure it would smash past the 2.5 million CHF mark.

The result means the “Bao Dai”reclaims a record which it set back in 2002, where the same watch sold at auction for $235,000 – meaning the value of this watch has risen 21 times since it was last sold 15 years ago. A fact that will no doubt impress the majority of collectors and fans out there.

Despite the price tag, the “Bao Dai” is very unassuming, and subtle in presence. The movement is housed by a 36mm yellow gold Oyster case and complete with the iconic yellow gold jubilee bracelet. The watch is said to be an excellent everyday wearer, with its discreet approach and optimum comfort, albeit a very, very expensive everyday wear. The watch also retains the vintage plexiglass crystal, which is important, because the glass curvature really defines the ref. 6062’s profile.

The watch features a triple calendar moonphase, amongst a sumptuous black dial and diamond set indexes, and proves to be the only known example of its kind. The intricate elements found in this watch are a true testament to Rolex through the years. The watch features such as the waterproof case, screw-down crown, and solid screw caseback – all of which can be found in the latest models by Rolex.

Images courtesy of www.phillips.com