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 1999
    Reference No: 18238
    Movement No: 7’994’937
    Case No: A621’097
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3155, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex President bracelet, endlinks stamped “55 B”, max length 175mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex concealed folding clasp stamped “8385”
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped The Watch Gallery dated 4th December 1999, 1999-2000 calendar, hang tags, brown leather card holder, instruction manual, product literature, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Introduced in 1956, the Rolex Day-Date has maintained its position as Rolex's most diverse and captivating flagship collection. With the exception of prototype models, the Day-Date has only been crafted in precious metals, further emphasizing its prestigious status. This led to its nickname "President" and its iconic bracelet has also become synonymous with the collection.

    The present ref. 18238 showcases an incredibly exotic and eye-catching bloodstone dial. The dial is characterized by its forest green hue and subtle copper flecks, creating a striking contrast against the warm gold case. The combination of the rare Roman numerals and the distinctive fluted bezel yields a powerful aesthetic result.

    This example is exceptionally well-preserved, exhibiting sharp finishes to the edge of the lugs and crisp hallmarks. Bearing an "A" serial, this beauty from 1999 is accompanied by its full set accessories and original punched guarantee.

  • 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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832

Ref. 18238
A highly rare, attractive and well-preserved yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, day, date, bloodstone dial, Roman numerals, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1999
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$200,000 - 400,000 
€24,000-48,000
$25,600-51,300

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