Rolex - The New York Watch Auction: XI New York Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2015
    Reference No: 118239
    Movement No: 68'4A8'442
    Case No: 6G'222’225, case interior stamped 2099
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K white gold, diamond, and lapis lazuli
    Calibre: Automatic, cal.3155, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Rolex President bracelet with concealed clasp, max overall length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Rolex deployant clasp, stamped D9R
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Rolex International Warranty dated December 22, 2015, confirming the lapis lazuli and diamond-set dial, green leather fitted Rolex presentation box, two Rolex hang tags, product literature and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex’s Day-Date is one of the most iconic and recognizable wristwatches in the market today. First launched in 1956, it revolutionized horology with an elegant timepiece featuring an innovative day and date display. The original references 6510 and 6511 were replaced by the famed reference 1803 in 1959 with a sporty 36mm diameter case, fluted bezel, and gold President bracelet, and offered in yellow, white, and rose gold, and platinum. In 1977, Rolex introduced a new generation model with the caliber 3055 with quickset date, which was upgraded again in 1988 with the caliber 3155, allowing quick set for both the date and day.

    The present reference 118239 is a highly collectible and sought after version of the model. The white gold case and bracelet have a luxurious, refined, and sophisticated appearance. The watch retains the classic 36mm diameter with fluted bezel along with a selection of dial types from black, silver, white and champagne to exceptional hard stone dials like the present example with a lapis lazuli dial and diamond-set hour markers.

    The present Day-Date is offered by its original owner, accompanied with all of its accessories including the guarantee confirming the lapis lazuli and diamond-set dial. The lovely dial complements the white gold case offering an elegant and sophisticated look that is as wearable during the day or night. The reference 118239 is highly sought after in the market as one of the most desirable Day-Date models offered by Rolex.

    PROPERTY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER

  • 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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3

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 118239
A rare and impressive white gold and diamond-set wristwatch with lapis lazuli dial, day, date, bracelet, warranty, and presentation box

Circa 2015
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed.

Estimate
$20,000 - 40,000 
CHF17,600-35,200
€18,700-37,500
HK$155,000-311,000

Sold for $44,450

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
watchesny@phillips.com

Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: XI

New York Auction 7 - 8 December 2024