Rolex - TOKI: Watch Auction Hong Kong Friday, November 22, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1992
    Reference No: 18239
    Movement No: 5’941’551
    Case No: N’136’978
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, Cal. 3155, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Rolex President bracelet, max length 178mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Rolex deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Rolex Day-Date ref. 18239, introduced in the late 1980s, signified a crucial advancement for this esteemed model. Alongside other contemporary models, the ref. 18239 featured enhancements that not only boosted durability but also improved practicality, reflecting the enduring qualities synonymous with the Rolex brand. A standout feature was the integration of the new cal. 3155 movement, Rolex's pioneering movement to introduce a double quick-set function. This innovation enabled wearers to swiftly adjust both the day and date indications using the crown, a significant convenience.

    This present lot crafted in white gold and adorned with a captivating grey dial, diamonds, and baton numerals, represents a rare iteration showcasing Rolex’s mastery in dial design. Preserved in remarkable condition, this particular piece exhibits sharp hallmarks beneath the lugs and retains its original Rolex factory sticker on the case back, underscoring its authenticity and originality. Furthermore, this exact piece was also featured in the Toki: Watch Auction thematic video.

  • 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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Property of a Japanese lady

98

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 18239
A well-preserved white gold wristwatch with center seconds, day, date, diamond-set grey dial and bracelet

Circa 1992
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$60,000 - 120,000 
€6,900-13,800
$7,700-15,400

Sold for HK$203,200

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com

TOKI: Watch Auction

Hong Kong Auction 22 November