Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII Hong Kong Thursday, November 25, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1995
    Reference No: 18238
    Movement No: 8’078’288
    Case No: W472’321
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3155, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex President bracelet, max length 170mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex concealed folding clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Emperor Watch & Jewellery Co., LTD., Hong Kong dated 26th July 1996, instruction manual, product literature, leather folder, note pad, cloth, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    While the desire for the Rolex Day-Dates are back in full swing in recent times, collectors are reminiscent of the vibrant times where the Day-Date was and still is one of the most diverse yet iconic timepieces offered by Rolex. The unmissable 36mm diameter Oyster case is perhaps the perfect size to fit most, with varying case metals, dial materials and gem-setting, the Day-Date is the perfect combination of when style meets practicality.

    Introduced in 1988 to replace its former ref. 18038, the new ref. 18238 was upgraded with the firm’s newest cal. 3155 featuring a double quickset function for the day and date, allowing wearers to adjust at ease via the crown. The present example ref. 18238 fitted with a black mother of pearl dial adorned with baguette-cut diamond-set indexes is an instant classic. Packed with a flare and exquisite in appeal, the black mother of pearl dial emits various hues and iridescence under various lighting. The ref. 18238 was discontinued in 2000 making way for its new model ref. 118238.

    The present example Rolex Day-Date ref. 18238 from circa 1995 is offered in attractive overall condition and is complete with its full set of accessories.

  • 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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817

Ref. 18238
A fine and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, day, date, diamond-set indexes, black mother of pearl dial, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1995
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 200,000 
€13,200-22,000
$15,400-25,600

Sold for HK$302,400

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII

Hong Kong Auctions 25-26 November 2021