Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 2001 Reference No: 179179 Case No: K896’478 Model Name: DateJust Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2236, 31 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Rolex President bracelet stamped 83139, max length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Rolex concealed folding clasp Dimensions: 28mm Diameter Signed: Dial, case, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
The present lady’s Rolex Datejust ref. 179179 in white gold measuring a petite 28mm in case dimensions is a fantastic iteration of the classic DateJust. Featuring the caliber 2236, it is one of the smallest calibers manufactured by Rolex. At the back of the case back there is an engraving, "Artha Grahha Network". A conglomerate of various industries and sectors that are based in Indonesia. Most likely a gift to loyal and long-standing staff within the organisation.
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.