Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 2000
    Reference No: 118296
    Movement No: 8’455’115
    Case No: P’194’772
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Automatic, 3155, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Platinum Rolex President bracelet, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Rolex concealed folding clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Kaimana Kea USA and dated 19th January 2002, leather card holder, instruction manual, product literature, Rolex leather notepad cover with notepad and pen, two additional notepads, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Synonymous with sophistication, precision and timelessness, the Day-Date was truly a game-changer upon its debut in the 1950s. Since then, the model has come to fruition with various upgrades it has undergone over its generations, whilst maintaining its flare by an array of colours, material and design it has to offer.

    Framed in the king of all metals, this platinum ref, 118296 is tastefully adorned in brilliant cut diamonds, from its lugs to its dial. A rare bird in the family of Day-Dates, it is fitted with a smooth bezel which encircles a rare silvered sunburst dial that is further charmed with diamond-set indexes. Offered in excellent overall condition, the present example boasts an unpolished case with sharp and crisp edges and is accompanied by its original accessories. For collectors who appreciate a subtle bit of bling combined with timeless design and rarity, this is certainly an outstanding addition to any collection of fine Day-Dates.

  • 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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916

Ref. 118296
A very fine and rare platinum and diamond-set wristwatch with center seconds, day, date, silvered sunburst dial, diamond-set indexes, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 2000
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$130,000 - 250,000 
€15,200-29,200
$16,700-32,100

Sold for HK$279,400

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