Rolex - STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them New York Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1994
    Reference No: 18208, inside caseback stamped 18200
    Movement No: 7’947’873
    Case No: W'935'645
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3155, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster riveted bracelet
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold, deployant clasp stamped S9
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by original Rolex punched guarantee, chronometer certification book and receipt, leather wallet, product literature, hang tag, inner and outer box, and extra Oyster link.

  • Catalogue Essay

    From its introduction in 1956, the Day-Date has continued to embody the Rolex ethos of luxury and power. Myriad combinations were made possible by the variety of dials and case materials, the array of bezel patterns and the different bracelet assortments. Most Day-Dates were produced in 18K yellow gold; however, the present example’s smooth bezel and riveted Oyster bracelet are a sleek and sporty departure from the classic fluted bezel and President bracelet configuration – and not at all unwelcome. The true attraction of this Day-Date, aside from its superb original condition, is the vibrant dial made of malachite.

    Malachite was first known to be mined as early as the Neolithic era, around 3,800 years ago, in an area of limestone headland in Wales, Great Britain. Since antiquity, malachite has been utilized in decorative arts and adornments for its vivid green palette and spectacular banded and swirled patterns. Malachite was even ground and used as paint pigments, most notably by Italian Renaissance painter Pietro Perugino in his Natività located in the Church of Saint Francis in Montefalco, Peruggia. This specific malachite dial displays beautiful uniform bands, made by slicing and polishing a larger banded mass of malachite. Rolex must have been highly selective in choosing the specific slice of malachite, further affirming their mastery of applying of such delicate natural materials as watch dials. Typically, the most harmonious and attractive banded specimens of malachite are found in Central African deposits.

    Small accents such as the Spanish date wheel and gold printing against the superb hardstone dial unite all the other attractive elements of this timepiece: the overall incredible condition, uniformity and vibrancy of the dial, and presence of all the original accessories. Hardly worn and preserved in stunning condition, it is certain to please the demanding connoisseur.

  • 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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103

Ref. 18208, inside caseback stamped 18200
A very rare and highly attractive yellow gold calendar wristwatch with malachite hardstone dial and bracelet

Circa 1994
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.

Estimate
$20,000 - 40,000 
CHF19,900-39,900
€17,400-34,700
HK$157,000-314,000

Sold for $82,500

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them

New York Auction 5 December 2018