Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1992
    Reference No: 18238
    Case No: E’842’096
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3155, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex President bracelet, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex concealed folding clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped King Fook Jewellery Hong Kong and dated 10th December 1992, instruction manual, product literature, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Synonymous with timeless grandeur, the Rolex Day-Date model with its myriad of dials, bracelets, bezels and uses of case materials. Since 1956, it remains one of the most diverse and exciting flagship models the firm has ever produced. Apart from prototype models, the Day-Date has only been cased in precious metals, attesting to the gravity of its eminence.

    The present reference 18238 features an incredibly exotic and striking bloodstone dial that is defined by its forest green hue and subtle copper flecks throughout. The material perfectly contrasts with the warm gold case and round diamond markers for a powerful aesthetic result.

    Exceptionally well-preserved, the present example boasts sharp finishes to the edge of the lugs and crisp hallmarks. Bearing an “E” serial, this ref. 18238 from 1992 further accompanied by its original punched warranty and presentation box.

  • 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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1038

Ref. 18238
A highly rare, attractive and well-preserved yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, day, date, bloodstone dial, diamond-set indexes, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1992
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$180,000 - 280,000 
€21,000-32,700
$23,100-35,900

Sold for HK$533,400

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023