Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips

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  • Condition Report

  • Description

    View our Conditions of Sale.

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1981
    Reference No: 18039, inside caseback stamped 18000
    Movement No: 0’529’435
    Case No: 7’037’512
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3055, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Rolex President bracelet, endlinks stamped “55”, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Rolex concealed folding clasp stamped “C” and “18000”
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex instruction manual and product literature.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Often nicknamed the "President's watch”, the Rolex Day-Date collection has achieved an iconic status since its initial release in 1956. Renowned for its use of precious metals, the Day-Date offers a diverse range of options within the Rolex lineup. It is available in various sizes and dial materials, dial configurations, and even gem-set variations.

    The present Day-Date stayed true to its roots with a 36mm case diameter. Identified as ref. 18039, it was introduced by Rolex in 1978 as an upgrade to the beloved ref. 1803. The new iteration incorporated the caliber 3055 movement with a practical quick-set date function. Encased in 18K white gold, the current example showcases a rare black dial with Roman numeral hour markers. While the majority of Day-Date models are found in yellow gold cases, the white gold version is notably rare and collectible, especially since the present example is preserved in exceptional condition with its caseback sticker remaining intact.

  • 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.

    View More Works

1046

Ref. 18039, inside caseback stamped 18000
A fine and well-preserved white gold wristwatch with center seconds, day, date, black dial and bracelet

Circa 1981
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$75,000 - 150,000 
€9,000-18,000
$9,600-19,200

Place Advance Bid
Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024