Phillips to auction off Vietnamese emperor’s Rolex for over 1.5 million USD

When Phillips auctioned this Rolex in 2002, it earned the title of most expensive Rolex ever sold at auction. Fifteen years later, this unique watch will once again hit the auction block at the Geneva Watch Auction: Five sale in May, and it’s sure to steal just as many headlines as it did back then…

Imperial provenance

Along with being one of just three reference 6062 triple-calendar, moonphase, yellow-gold Rolexes with a black dial and diamond markers, this particular example is also the sole piece with diamond markers at even hours. Purchased new by the last emperor of Vietnam, his Majesty Bao Dai, in 1954, this watch is deemed to be one of the most collectable and valuable Rolexes ever made, having previously been part of a private collection. Presented in stunning condition, Phillips will auction off this legendary timepiece for the second time at their Geneva sale, taking place 13–14 May, where spectators will no doubt be spellbound by both the watch’s beauty and its ultimate selling price…

Photos: Phillips