Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII Hong Kong Friday, November 24, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1985
    Reference No: 18038
    Movement No: 0’120’662
    Case No: 8’876’030, inside caseback stamped “18000”
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3055, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex President bracelet, max length 160mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp stamped “8385”
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex service guarantee.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex's Day-Date model, known for its timeless grandeur, features various dials, bracelets, bezels and case materials. Since 1956, the Day-Date has remained one of Rolex's most diverse and exciting flagship lines. With the exception of prototypes, the Day-Date has always used precious metals, showing its importance.

    The current reference 18038 features an exotic striking bloodstone dial defined by its forest green hue and subtle copper flecks. The material contrasts beautifully with the warm gold case and round diamond markers, creating a powerful aesthetic.

    Exceptionally well-preserved, the present example has sharp edges on the lugs and clear hallmarks. Bearing an 8’876’030 serial, this reference 18038 is from circa 1985.

  • 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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942

Ref. 18038
A highly rare, well-preserved and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, day, date, bloodstone dial, diamond-set indexes and bracelet

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

Estimate
HK$150,000 - 250,000 
€18,200-30,300
$19,200-32,100

Sold for HK$381,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII

Hong Kong Auction 24-25 November 2023