185
Rolex
Ref. 18168
Day-Date
A dazzling and rare yellow gold wristwatch with day, date, diamond-set bezel, applied ruby indexes, bracelet and warranty
Full-Cataloguing
- Day and date display
- Featuring a bezel set with 24 baguette-cut diamonds and applied indexes set with ten rubies and 51 diamonds
- Possibly only the second of the present configuration offered at auction
The Rolex Day-Date has long occupied a unique place within the history of the Geneva manufacture. Introduced in 1956, it was created as Rolex’s most prestigious wristwatch, combining technical reliability with the elegance of a fully precious metal case and the distinctive day and date display that became its signature.
The present reference 18168 is a particularly striking interpretation of this celebrated model. Crafted in yellow gold, it features a richly decorated dial with radial Roman numerals, ten ruby-set indexes and 51 diamonds, creating a refined balance between classic Rolex design and high jewelry craftsmanship. The bezel, set with 24 baguette-cut diamonds, further enhances the presence of the watch while maintaining the unmistakable character of the Day-Date.
Powered by the self-winding calibre 3055, this example belongs to an important generation of Day-Date models known for the introduction of the quickset date function. Combined with Rolex’s renowned Oyster construction and the iconic President bracelet, the watch offers both everyday practicality and exceptional elegance.
This specific configuration of diamonds, rubies and yellow gold is to the best of our knowledge only the second to come to auction. Representing one of the more distinctive expressions of Rolex’s most prestigious model this example is a highly appealing piece for collectors seeking an exceptional and unusual Day-Date.
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.