Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1984
    Reference No: 18038
    Movement No: 1'015'110
    Case No: 8'375'529
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K yellow gold and rubies
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3055, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex President bracelet, max length 190mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex concealed folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Introduced in 1978, reference 18038 featured a quick set date function and sapphire crystal. These features were two upgrades from the model's predecessor, reference 1803, which was fitted with a plexi crystal. Furthermore, the model did not allow the wearer to simply change the date by pulling out the crown halfway.

    The present Day-Date is lavishly set with baguette rubies in lieu of numerals, furthermore highlighted by an enigmatic green Khanjar symbol at 6 o'clock, which is part of the national emblem of Oman. The present watch was most likely ordered upon special request by His Majesty Qaboos bin Said Al Said, the Sultan of Oman. Such special order watches were usually presented as gifts to His Majesty's closest dignitaries and staff.

    It is exceedingly rare to find baguette diamond numerals set throughout dial. Yet, to have one set with rubies truly makes this watch an incredible specimen. This, coupled with the Green Khanjar at 6 o'clock renders this example possibly only one of its kind.

  • 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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Ref. 18038
A highly rare, most unusual and attractive yellow gold and ruby-set calendar wristwatch with bracelet, made for the Sultanate of Oman

Circa 1984
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 60,000 
€34,500-51,800
$41,300-62,000

Sold for CHF50,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017