Footnotes

With a watch almost always prominently upon his wrist, Sir Michael Caine has become quite the watch style icon. It is no surprise therefore that within Sir Michael's collection there have been several Rolex with each of them contributing to some of the most iconic images put forward of this phenomenal actor. As his career ascended with successes such as the hit movies Get Carter (1971) and Sleuth (1972), Sir Michael can frequently be pictured wearing one of his gold Rolex. The current lot represents his third notable foray into the world of Rolex with his purchase of an 18K gold Oysterquartz Datejust. Ever the trailblazer rather than crowd follower, Sir Michael was an early convert to the Oysterquartz acquiring his model not long after they first launched in the late 1970s. Sir Michael has confirmed that he wore this watch during numerous roles but, perhaps, most famously as Lawrence Jamieson in the 1988 movie Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. The gold bracelet can be seen nestled within Sir Michaels crisp white suit as he toasts with Steve Martin upon the promotional posters for the film.

As with all of his watches, Sir Michael did not distinguish what was exclusive for the movie set versus his private life. Captured in 1982 is a fantastic image by the celebrated American photographer Steve Schapiro (via Getty Images Ⓒ) where Sir Michael can be seen sat at his home in LA. With cigar in one hand, wine in the other, iconic glasses on - there is no other way to describe this portrait of Sir Michael than cool. Visible upon his wrist and balancing the gold hues given off by his glass of wine is his Rolex Oysterquartz, distinct from other Rolex Day-Dates by the crisp faceted edges that make this design so recognisable.