Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1978
    Reference No: 1803
    Movement No: DD'223'991
    Case No: 5'061'428
    Model Name: Day-Date "Stella"
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1556, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K pink gold Rolex President bracelet, max length 205mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    One of the most alluring, bold and flamboyant Rolex Day-Date models with “Stella” dial, the present reference 1803 in pink gold and flamingo pink dial is a glamorous timepiece that will speak to the dandy collector.

    Among the most collectible of all Day-Dates are ones fitted with lacquer "Stella" dials, named after the dial maker. Translucent yet vibrant, "Stella" dials offer so much exclusivity to the wearer, as no two are exactly the same in appearance. Rolex adorned their Day-Date watches with a variety of dials, ranging from yellow to mint green. One of the rarest and most sought after are pink colored ones, such as the present example.

    In superb condition, the pink gold case of the present model displays strong hallmarks on the underside of the lugs, the proportions are robust, and the top of the lugs feature sharp finishes. The flamingo pink dial, set with diamond hour markers, is vibrant and retains its high glossy finish.

    A watch for the rakish gentleman, the present Day-Date takes us back to a bygone era of glittering dolce vita.

  • 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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190

Ref. 1803
A very rare and striking pink gold calendar wristwatch with pink lacquer "Stella" dial and bracelet

Circa 1978
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF35,000 - 55,000 
€30,800-48,400
$35,900-56,300

Sold for CHF65,000

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

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018