Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: TWO Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2015 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1990
    Reference No: 18'388, stamped 18'200 inside the case back
    Movement No: 7'800'403
    Case No: E944'348
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18k yellow gold and diamond
    Calibre: Automatic, cal 3155, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold Rolex President with diamonds, 8485, end links stamped 55BS, max length 195mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold folding clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 18388 is characterized by its diamond-set bezel and lugs. The first owner is given the option upon purchasing the watch to pair it with a standard gold President bracelet or a more extravagant version with diamond set links.

    The present example has a beautiful yellow gold pavé diamond dial, accented with sapphire hour markers, and baton hands with black enamel inlay. Both the Rolex and Day-Date logos are printed on raised gold platforms.

    A perfect addition to any collection, this watch has been lovingly well preserved as shown by the presence of the green sticker on the case back.

  • 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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191

Ref. 18'388, stamped 18'200 inside the case back
A rare and attractive yellow gold calendar wristwatch with diamond and sapphire-set dial, diamond-set bezel, lugs and centre links

1990
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 50,000 

Sold for CHF47,500

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

Geneva Watch Auction: TWO

Geneva Auction 7 & 8 November 2015 6:30pm