Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: TWO Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2015 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1984
    Reference No: 18038, inside caseback stamped 18000
    Movement No: O285'203
    Case No: 8'338'009
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3055, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold Rolex President, end links stamped 55, max. length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold deployant clasp, stamped 7286
    Dimensions: 36 mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Day-Date, also known as Rolex’s “President” watch, is one of the brand’s most sought after models. The present reference 18038 was produced until 1988, and its main characteristics are a yellow gold case fitted with a fluted bezel.

    Housing Rolex’s calibre 3055, the most notable upgrade from earlier references is its “quick-set” feature, enabling the wearer to change the date with ease by simply pulling out the crown halfway.

    This rare example features elegant, baguette-cut diamond indexes. Both the ‘Rolex’ and ‘Day-Date’ inscriptions on the dial are engraved onto raised, applied gold plaques. The glossy black lacquered dial is in mint condition as is the case. An elegant collector’s watch suitable for casual or formal wear.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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190

Ref. 18038, inside caseback stamped 18000
A rare and attractive yellow gold calendar wristwatch with bracelet, centre seconds and baguette hour markers

1984
36 mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 15,000 

Sold for CHF15,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

Geneva Watch Auction: TWO

Geneva Auction 7 & 8 November 2015 6:30pm