Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XX Geneva Saturday, November 9, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1982
    Reference No: 18039, inside case back stamped 18000
    Movement No: 1'623'147
    Case No: 7'617'362
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3055, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Rolex President bracelet, end links stamped “55”, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Rolex concealed folding clasp stamped “H” and “8385"
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Often referred to as the "President's watch," the Rolex Day-Date collection has held an iconic status since its debut in 1956. Celebrated for its use of precious metals, the Day-Date offers a broad array of choices within the Rolex lineup. It is available in multiple sizes, a variety of dial materials, numerous dial configurations, and even gem-set variations.

    The present Day-Date stays true to its roots with a versatile 36mm case diameter. Identified as ref. 18039, it was introduced by Rolex in 1978 as an upgrade to the beloved ref. 1803. This new iteration incorporated the caliber 3055 with a practical quick-set date function and a new sapphire crystal. Encased in 18K white gold, the current example showcases a rare, dazzling turquoise Stella dial with diamond hour markers. The vibrant turquoise color resembles a summer sky, enhanced by the sparkle of its diamond markers. Brilliant, lacquered “Stella” dials were produced for over a decade in a range of powerful colors, including oxblood, turquoise, orange, black, and tobacco. Its name was given after the company Stella based in Châtelaine and Geneva, which was responsible for supplying Rolex with a special type of lacquer used in these rare and exotic dials.

    While the majority of Day-Date models are found in yellow gold cases, the white gold version is notably rare and collectible. This exceptional timepiece is not only a collector's dream but also a perfect accessory for the summer.

  • 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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150

Ref. 18039, inside case back stamped 18000
A very attractive, vibrant and shimmering white gold wristwatch with center seconds, day, date indication, turquoise lacquer dial, diamond-set indexes, bracelet

Circa 1982
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 60,000 
€32,000-64,000
$34,600-69,300

Sold for CHF82,550

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
aghotbi@phillips.com

 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88

tto@phillips.com

 

 

The Geneva Watch Auction: XX

Geneva Auction 9 - 10 November 2024