Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX Hong Kong Monday, May 28, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1988
    Reference No: 18038, case back stamped "18000" to the inside
    Case No: 8'574'242
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K yellow gold and diamond and sapphire-set
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3055, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex President bracelet stamped "55" to the endlinks, maximum length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex concealed deployant clasp stamped "8385"
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Day-Date has historically been the most “playful” among the Rolex models, together with its less complicated sibling the Datejust. Of particular interest and collectability are the gem-set versions. They are among the most fascinating iterations of the model, both under an aesthetic point of view and a technical one as well, with some dials with such elaborate designs and flawless execution that can be considered true forms of industrial art on their own. Furthermore, the high retail price ensured extreme rarity for these gem-set creations.

    The present example features one of the most difficult-to-come-by gem-set dial designs, featuring square sapphire-set hour indexes, and inner diamond-set minute divisions made up of 55 brilliant-cut diamonds (not 60, as 5 are missing because of the presence of the date window). This design allows for the preciousness of a gem-set dial to be delivered in a very subtle, nearly understated manner. A final touch of elegance is given by the champagne dial and champagne date and day discs, which perfectly harmonize with the warm gold tonality of the case.

  • 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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920

Ref. 18038, case back stamped "18000" to the inside
A fine, rare and very attractive yellow gold and diamond and sapphire-set automatic wriswtatch with center seconds, day, date and bracelet

Circa 1988
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 160,000 
€13,200-17,600
$15,400-20,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX

Hong Kong Auction 29 May 2018