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 1985
    Reference No: 18038
    Movement No: 0’007’673
    Case No: 8’907’009
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3055, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex President bracelet, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex concealed deployant clasp stamped "8385" and "J8"
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped by Bucherer Co.Ltd, Lucerne, red Rolex holder, presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Introduced in 1978, the reference 18038 shares a striking resemblance to its predecessor, the reference 1803, while incorporating several noteworthy technical advancements. Notable improvements include an increased water resistance, the introduction of a sapphire crystal—an inaugural feature for the Day-Date collection—and the implementation of the new calibre 3055 movement. This upgraded movement operates at a higher frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and introduces the convenient quickset mechanism for the date function.

    Available in a variety of dial options, including Stella dials, hard stone dials, and metal dials with various designs, the reference 18038 also showcased the creative prowess of Rolex by featuring wooden dials, as seen in the present example. The incorporation of organic wooden dials brings a refreshing aesthetic to the wristwatch, juxtaposing the technical nature of the timepiece with the natural allure of the wood's unique grain patterns. Each wooden dial is inherently one-of-a-kind, ensuring that no two dials will ever possess the exact same appearance.

    The current model boasts a stunning 'golden walnut' wood dial, and due to the natural characteristics of wood, each dial possesses its own distinct identity, making it truly unique in its visual presentation.

  • 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

831

Ref. 18038
An attractive yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, day, date, bracelet and "wood" dial, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1985
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 280,000 
€19,200-33,600
$20,500-35,900

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