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29

Rolex

Ref. 218206

Day-Date II

An unworn, still bearing its protective sticker to the bracelet, and strikingly attractive platinum automatic wristwatch with center seconds, date, ice blue dial, bracelet, Guarantee and box

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After the initial launch of the prestigious Day-Date in 1956 - in the intention of Rolex, the most prestigious watch in the catalogue of the company - the model has evolved into a remarkable canvas for a number of dial configurations, sizes and case materials. Traditionally featuring a 36mm oyster case, the 41mm Day-Date II was introduced in 2008 in response to the evolving taste of the public. An intermediate 40mm version has also been introduced, in 2015.

Presented in new old stock condition and further accompanied by the original guarantee and box, this platinum example leaves the beholder stunned with its ice-blue dial. Usually reserved for its platinum models (for example, it is also present in the dial of the platinum Daytona) the blue hue Rolex achieved is sublime and subtle: not too cold as to result “soulless”, but also restrained enough to impart a sense of gravitas to the watch. A number of dial configurations are found on this reference, the present one being one of the most complex, featuring a double finish: large concentric guillochage for the hour track and sunburst for the center. The discrete outer railway minute divisions and the Roman numerals, both executed in exquisite “ton sur ton” shades of blue, complete the ensemble.

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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