872
Rolex
Ref. 16018
Datejust Electric Blue
A well-preserved and uncommon yellow gold wristwatch with bracelet, center seconds, date, “electric blue” dial and Arabic numerals
Full-Cataloguing
- Extremely rare dial with only one other example appearing at auction
- Very well-preserved case with minimal wear and crisp hallmarks
Since the launch of the Rolex Datejust in 1945, the date‑only model has remained one of the brand’s most enduring and recognizable successes. The ref. 16018 marked a significant milestone as the first Datejust to feature a sapphire crystal. Encased in yellow gold and distinguished by an unusual “electric blue” dial with equally uncommon Arabic numerals, this example is rarer still than those fitted with stone dials. Paired with a President bracelet, this combination renders the present Datejust truly extraordinary.
The case is exceptionally well-preserved, displaying sharp edges, crisp hallmarks, and minimal signs of wear. Notably, only one other example fitted with this dial has ever appeared at auction, further underscoring the rarity of this timepiece. Dating from circa 1979, with a 5.9 million serial number, this Datejust is certain to impress even the most seasoned collector.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded 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.