2024 Fall Premier
Wed, Nov 6, 2024 01:00PM EST - Sat, Nov 23, 2024 10:30PM EST
Lot 461
1959 Baltimore Colts NFL Champions 18K Gold Rolex Watch Awarded to DE Don Joyce (Rematch of "The Greatest Game Ever Played")
Unsold
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $200 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $30,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
The 1958 NFL Championship between the Baltimore Colts and New York Giants is famously known as "The Greatest Game Ever Played" in the pantheon of sports history. Johnny Unitas led an 80-yard drive in overtime capped by Alan Ameche's TD run it to seal a 23-17 victory for the Colts. The two teams faced off again in the 1959 NFL title game, with the Colts winning the rematch more comfortably, 31-16. Instead of rings, players had the option to receive an exquisite Rolex watch made of 18-karat gold for becoming back-to-back champions. This one was issued to Defensive End Don Joyce.
This gorgeous Rolex watch has "Baltimore Colts 1959 World Champions" lettered on the face around a Colts team logo. Joyce played with the Colts 1954-1960 (making the Pro Bowl in '58) and was a member of both the 1958 and 1959 Championship teams. Joyce likely opted for the Rolex since he was just awarded a championship ring the year prior.
The watch case is well-preserved with a clean glass and minor wear to the body/bezel with some light scratches. It is likely that the rear housing on the back of the face has been restored as this is where the player names were supposed to be engraved. A fresh Rolex brown leather band was also added at some point, replacing the original gold-made band. The original buckle remains and is stamped underneath with the ever-important Rolex and "750 Swiss" hallmarks to certify its 18-karat (75% gold) composition. This highly coveted 1959 Colts NFL Championship watch is in working condition and comes with its original Rolex Chronometer green case and box from the period. It sold at auction in the past with a player LOA from Joyce, but that letter has apparently been misplaced.
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