Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1978
    Reference No: 18038
    Movement No: 0’008’831
    Case No: 5’175’129
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3055, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Day-Date ref. 18038 was first released in 1977 and enjoyed a production of 10 years seizing in 1988. While its aesthetics are like the iconic ref. 1803, the new model was the first to feature a sapphire crystal and an advanced cal. 3055 ticking at 28,800vph, however the most notable upgrade was the implementation of a quick-set feature for the date.
    The present Rolex Day-Date ref. 18038 features a rare and desirable red Khanjar dial from circa 1978 being one of the first examples of the reference produced right after its launch. Timepieces with the Khanjar emblem on the dial were made specially for the Sultanate of Oman as gifts to loyal servants, dignitaries and friends of the Sultan.

  • 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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891

Ref. 18038
A very fine and rare yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, day, date and red Khanjar dial, made for the Sultanate of Oman

Circa 1978
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$180,000 - 280,000 
€22,900-35,700
$23,100-35,900

Sold for HK$327,600

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV

Hong Kong Auction 27 - 28 May 2022