The Bao Dai Rolex 6062 Becomes the 2nd Most Expensive Rolex Ever Sold at Auction for $5,060,427
November 09, 2017 |
Source: Hodinkee
|
The new price of $5,060,427
fetched on May 14, 2017 (both sold at Phillips de Pury & Luxembourg) is a
21.5 times increase, or a 140 percent return on your investment annually for 15
years. Not too shabby. In May this made the Bao Dai the most expensive Rolex sold in the world. However, only a few months later, in October, the Paul Newman Daytona Rolex would soundly beat the Bao Dai and fetch a price of 17.8 million at auction at more than 3 times the price - making it the most expensive watch sold in the world. See my post on the Paul Newman.
However, the Bao Dai held the title as the most expensive Rolex for 5 long months, setting the stage for incredible prices to be fetched in the future for Rolex Watches owned by famous personalities.
However, the Bao Dai held the title as the most expensive Rolex for 5 long months, setting the stage for incredible prices to be fetched in the future for Rolex Watches owned by famous personalities.
So, what makes the Bao Dai so
special?
Besides being one of the most
luxurious and rare Rolex timepieces in history (one of only three 6062s ever
made), the Bao Dai Rolex has a unique history, tied to the man who first
purchased the watch.
It was the Spring of 1954 in
Geneva Switzerland. The Vietnamese
Emperor, Nguyễn Phúc Vĩnh Thụy, was negotiating the terms of the end of his
reign and the future of the realm of Vietnam.
The Indochina War was coming to an end, as was the Nguyễn Dynasty.
Nguyễn was the 13th and soon to be last
emperor of the combined state of Vietnam.
He had ascended the Emperor’s throne in 1925 at the age of 12 and was
given the title of Bao Dai – a title that translates as “Protector of Grandeur”
or “Keeper of Greatness”. |
| Source: Wikipedia |
Nguyễn was educated in France,
and spent most of his life in France after his exile. Bao Dai served as head of state under both
French and American occupation. He
fought to keep Vietnam unified and was known as a reformer, both of
institutions such as legal and education, but also of outdated traditions.
Bao Dai’s taste was
impeccable. He owned a rare Ferrari 375
MM Spyder, a private yacht, and a superb French villa.
He entered the famed Rolex
retailer Chronomètrie Philippe Beguin and
requested the most precious Rolex ever made.
Bao Dai turned down many rare
timepieces before Rolex came to the rescue, finally displaying the Rolex
reference 6062 in yellow gold with a black dial and diamond indexes. This fine timepiece took on his name Bao Dai
and will always be associated with the Last Emperor of Vietnam.
The Rolex 6062 is made of
yellow gold and is one of only three models featuring black dials set with
diamond markers. It has other unique
features, adding to its rarity. It has
five diamond numerals for even numbers and a different dial layout.
Because of the diamond
numeral at 12 o'clock, the Rolex crown was moved down, consequently forcing the
"Rolex Oyster Perpetual" to be
placed below the day and month apertures. The "Officially Certified Chronometer"
wording was moved from the center of the dial and placed below the moonphase dial.
The Bao Dai Rolex’s value is
highly desirable due to its historical importance and ties to regal fame, but
also to its iconic Rolex features including the Oyster case, a Rolex
"perpetual" in-house movement and of course the rare full calendar
complication featuring a moonphase display.
This Rolex watch is also in
fantastic shape, with no noticible wear marks or imperfections. The yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet adds
to the effect of the watch, while not overly large, it is comfortable to
wear.
Truly a Rolex fit for a king.
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