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Rolex

Ref. 19168

Day-Date Oysterquartz “Octopussy”

An extravagant and very well-preserved yellow gold and diamond-set calendar wristwatch with date, caseback sticker, and diamond-set “Octopussy” bracelet

Estimate
$30,000 - 60,000
$157,480
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Rolex
Year
Circa 1985
Reference No
19168
Movement No
O'109'580
Case No
8'761'104; further stamped 19000
Model Name
Day-Date Oysterquartz “Octopussy”
Material
18K yellow gold, diamonds
Calibre
Quartz, cal. 5055, 11 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
18K yellow gold and diamond-set Rolex OysterQuartz bracelet, reference 19168, max length 190mm
Clasp/Buckle
18K yellow gold Rolex concealed deployant clasp, reference 19168, stamped D
Dimensions
36mm Diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.

Catalogue Essay

The present lot is an exquisite example of Rolex’s most prestigious Day-Date – the “Octopussy” – a name coined by collectors for Rolex’s most lavish version of the President bracelet produced during the 1970s and 1980s. These exclusive bracelets featured one large diamond or precious stone on every single link. Round brilliant-cut diamonds on each outer link were set in unusual cylindrical settings, flanking a center link with a baguette-cut precious stone. The cylindrically set diamonds rise prominently above the links, resembling the suction cups of an Octopus’s tentacles, giving rise to its charming nickname.

The Oysterquartz line was introduced in 1977 using Rolex’s own, in-house high-precision quartz movement. Catering to those who preferred the higher timekeeping accuracy that quartz regulation enables, these models featured a thinner case and bracelet with sharp, modern angles matching the cutting-edge technology found within.

Set throughout with diamonds, the present Oysterquartz example was the ultimate in terms of luxury, cost, and prestige. Admiring the bracelet from the reverse side, one notices how every diamond is individually secured to its link via 18-karat gold screws.

No expense was spared, as even the bezel is adorned with baguette diamonds – Rolex’s most costly option. In overall superb condition, the present lot is a true collector's piece, with hardly any signs of wear as evidenced by the presence of the original green factory sticker on the caseback.

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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