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 1996
    Reference No: 18248, inner caseback stamped “18200”
    Movement No: 7’467’926
    Case No: T623’676
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3155, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold Rolex President bracelet with bark finished centre links, endlinks stamped “55 B”, max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex concealed folding clasp stamped “8723” and “V1”
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex warranty stamped Mayor's/Maier & Berkele U.S.A. dated 30th May 2001, instruction manual, product literature and hang tag.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Day-Date is a flagship watch that exudes flair, creativity, and charisma. Rolex has taken the Day-Date to new heights by incorporating unique dial materials such as bloodstone, coral, and onyx, as seen in the present example, which showcases a captivating deep black hue. The use of these precious stones in watch dials requires meticulous research and development, as they are cut very thinly and are very fragile. In fact, a majority of these dials crack during production before they even reach the general public.

    The present Day-Date features a very rare "bark" finished bezel, which mimics the texture of wood, creating a visually striking contrast with the yellow gold case. To complement the bezel, the President bracelet also includes center links with a bark finish, enhancing its overall appeal. With a diameter of 36mm, the reference 18248 Day-Date sits comfortably on the wrist, and the addition of the "bark" accents gives the timepiece a charming and distinctive character. It is equipped with the updated caliber 3155, which boasts a double quickset function, allowing for rapid adjustments of both the day and date.

    Kept in excellent condition, the case of this watch exhibits strong proportions and crisp hallmarks on the caseback, underscoring its rarity and overall quality. It is a fine and unique timepiece that should not be overlooked, making it an exceptional addition to any collection.

  • 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

830

Ref. 18248, inner caseback stamped “18200”
A highly rare, well-preserved and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, day, date, onyx dial, bark finished bezel, bracelet and warranty

Circa 1996
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 320,000 
€19,200-38,300
$20,500-41,000

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