Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT Hong Kong Monday, May 27, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1989
    Reference No: 18248
    Case No: R817’360
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K yellow gold and diamonds
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold Rolex President bracelet, endlinks stamped "55B", max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold Rolex concealed folding deployant clasp stamped "8723"
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by original Rolex Guarantee dated 17 November, 1989

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Day-Date is one of the most iconic timepieces available on the market today. First introduced in 1956, as the first automatic chronometer wristwatch with day and date, it has been a perennial favourite ever since and is still offered today. Over the years, the DNA of the model has remained the same, but upgraded with advanced calibers and added decoration compared to the origin. The reference 18214 from the 1980s came in a variety of different dial and bezel configurations

    The present example with bark President’s bracelet and engraved bezel features the caliber 3155 with quick-set mechanism making it easier to change the day and date. The brown dégradé dial with diamonds is one of the many manifestations of interesting dial types found on the model. In excellent condition and with original guarantee, this is a rare opportunity to own a Rolex Day-Date that goes beyond the standard gold timepiece.

  • 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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1118

Ref. 18248
A fine and attractive yellow gold and diamond-set wristwatch with day, date, brown dégradé dial, bracelet and guarantee

1989
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
HK$95,000 - 155,000 
€10,700-17,500
$12,200-19,900

Sold for HK$118,750

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
thomasperazzi@phillips.com
+852 2318 2001

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT

Hong Kong Auction 28 May 2019