For this particular sale, Phillips – again working with Bacs & Russo – has collaborated with watch authorities John Goldberger, Pucci Papaleo and a team of experts to assemble a monumental selection of Rolex rarities. Here are but five of the notable highlights:

Reference 1665, an exceptionally rare stainless steel wristwatch with date, commissioned by the Sultan of Oman and thus bearing the “Khanjar” dial, with original bracelet, guarantee and box. Retailed by Asprey, circa 1972.

Estimate: HKD 1,600,000-3,200,000 (USD $200,000-400,000)

Reference 6062, an exceptionally fine, rare and important yellow gold triple calendar wristwatch with star-set numerals, moon phases and bracelet, circa 1952.

Estimate: HKD 2,400,000-4,800,000 (USD $300,000-600,000)

Reference 4645, non-Oyster, a highly rare, unique and exceptional yellow gold square wristwatch with cloisonné enamel dial depicting Neptune and heavy bracelet, circa 1953.

Estimate: HKD 4,000,000-8,000,000 (USD $500,000-1,000,000)

Reference 6036, an exception pink gold Spanish triple calendar with two-tone dial, bracelet, retailed by Serpico Y Laino, circa 1951.

Estimate: HKD 2,000,000-4,000,000 (USD $250,000-500,000)

Reference 6263 “Paul Newman” Cosmograph with “Oyster Sotto” dial circa 1970.

Estimate: HKD 4,800,000-9,600,000 (USD $600,000-1,200,000)