Legendary 'Bao Dai' Rolex Expected To Surpass $1.5 Million At Auction

Phillips auction house in association with Bacs & Russo will offer no fewer than seven rare used Rolex watches at its next auction in Geneva, to be held May 13 and 14 at the Hôtel La Réserve.

The sale is led by the iconic Rolex Reference 6062, “Bao Dai,” which the auction house says is among the “most valuable and desirable Rolexes” and the “most complicated and iconic Oyster-cased model” ever made by the Swiss watch manufacturer. In addition to its rarity, this particular model also has imperial provenance. It has a pre-sale estimate of more than $1.5 million.

This Rolex triple calendar with moonphase in yellow gold is one of three black dial models known to exist with diamond markers, the auction house said in a statement. Of the three, the Bao Dai, is the only one to feature diamond markers at the even hours.