Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1979
    Reference No: 18038
    Movement No: 0'296'701
    Case No: 5'909'127
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3055, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 35.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Presented in 1978, reference 18038 introduced a quick set date function (made possible with the caliber 3055) and sapphire crystal - two upgrades from reference 1803, which was fitted with an acrylic crystal and did not allow the wearer to simply change the date by pulling out the crown halfway.

    These "Stella" dials feature multi-layered lacquer coating combined with vibrant and rich colors that create a glistening, twinkling effect. “Stella” dials come in an outstanding variety of colors, yet the color of the present watch, whether you call it oxblood or burgundy, is one popular with collectors. This is due in no small part to the richness and vitality of the layered lacquer, dark enough to not seem overtly tropical, yet vivid enough to capture the eye of the passing observer.

    With its mesmerizing dial and well-preserved, virtually unused case, this exemplary version of Rolex's most prestigious model is sure to delight 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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Ref. 18038
A fine and attractive yellow gold calendar wristwatch with burgundy lacquer "Stella" dial

Circa 1979
35.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 15,000 
€8,800-13,200
$10,200-15,400

Sold for CHF23,750

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018