May 23, 2017

In Geneva, Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, a well-known watch auction house, announced that it has set a new world record for the highest price ever for a Rolex wristwatch selling for $5,060,427.  This ultra rare watch, Reference 6062: the "Bao Dai" The watch belonged to His Majesty Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam.

Bao Dai Rolex

Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam

There was an eight-minute bidding war between 10 in-room bidders at the Hotel La Reserve in Geneva, and several bidders bid by phone. The Rolex is a triple calendar with moonphase indication. Crafted in18-karat yellow gold, it is one of only three black-dial models known to exist. It is the only one that features diamond markers at the even hours, making it a unique piece.

Rolex Bao Dai most expensive rolex ever

Rolex "Bao Dai" is a triple calendar with moonphase indication. Crafted in18-karat yellow gold.

In order to put the diamond marker at the 12:00 position, certain things had to shift. The Rolex crown logo needed to move down on the dial so the "Rolex Oyster Perpetual" words were also moved down, and the "officially Certified Chronometer" wording was placed beneath the moon phase indicator instead of in the center of the dial. This watch is considered by aficionados and collectors as a holy grail Rolex and possibly the most valuable Rolex ever. It was first sold at auction in 2002 for a then record-breaking 370,000 Swiss Francs. 

most expensive Bao Dai Rolex



Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Watch Blog

Who Says Pocket Watches Are Only for Men?  [NYT Article]
Who Says Pocket Watches Are Only for Men? [NYT Article]

March 11, 2021

Yes more Women are Wearing Pocket Watches and Ashton-Blakey Vintage Watches was consulted on this this great New York Times Article.

Continue Reading

Original Omega Speedmaster Sets New Auction Record
Original Omega Speedmaster Sets New Auction Record

May 19, 2018 1 Comment

Continue Reading

Timeless Tales of U.S President Watches
Timeless Tales of U.S President Watches

January 06, 2018

Updated! Now includes President Joe Biden's favorite watch!

Continue Reading