Rolex - Glamorous Day-Date Geneva Friday, May 8, 2015 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1997
    Reference No: 18338
    Case No: W032'751
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18k gold, diamonds and emeralds
    Calibre: Automatic, 3155
    Bracelet/Strap: Rolex President, end links stamped 55B
    Clasp/Buckle: Concealed deployment clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Movement, dial, case and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    From its earliest references, Rolex introduced the presence of precious stones on the Day-Date, proving that they could master the art of being daring.

    These glamorously glittering versions became soon very popular status symbols amongst celebrities, however, the common denominator was always the model name, Day-Date.

    “Snowflakes in Spring”, made in 1997 and bearing the reference number 18338, is fitted with an amazing champagne dial adorned with diamonds and emerald hour markers. The case is further enhanced with diamond-set lugs giving the present example a radiant brilliance and vibrancy.

    A closer look highlights a distinguishing feature: the absence of the ‘Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified’ script to leave the stage to the dazzling gemstones.

  • 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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Snowflakes in Spring

34

Ref. 18338
A very rare and beautiful yellow gold, diamond and emerald-set calendar wristwatch with bracelet and centre seconds

1997
36mm. Diameter
Movement, dial, case and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000 

Sold for CHF62,500

Contact Specialist
Livia Russo
+41 22 317 81 86

Glamorous Day-Date

Geneva Auction 9 May 2015 7pm