Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV Hong Kong Monday, November 28, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1985
    Reference No: 18038
    Movement No: 1’504’871
    Case No: 9’326’385
    Model Name: Day-Date, " Woman in Red "
    Material: 18K yellow Gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3055, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex President bracelet, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex concealed deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Literature: A similar example is prominently illustrated in Day-Date, The Presidential Rolex by Pucci Papaleo, page 366 and 367.

  • Catalogue Essay

    A timeless cult favourite, the Rolex Day-Date has been an icon since its conception in 1956, with some going as far as to argue that it is the backbone of the brand. Through its myriad of dials, bezels and bracelets, this model is often encased in precious metals, aside from its prototypes, which attests to its status as a luxury sports watch.

    Referenced by scholars as the “Woman in Red”, the present timepiece is nicknamed after Gene Wilder’s romantic comedy, thanks to its seductive red dial, topped with lustrous diamond markers and printed gold text. With its breath-taking qualities and vibrant personality, the watch echoes the passionate fiery affair outlined in the film.

    Produced in circa 1985, the ref. 18038 at hand is well-preserved in excellent overall condition with an attractive layer of patina throughout. Combining its rarity and striking appearance, this is the perfect wristwatch for collectors seeking the ultimate piece, born to make heads turn and invoke envy.

  • 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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869

Ref. 18038
A rare and well-preserved yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, day, date, diamond-set indexes, red lacquer "Stella" dial and bracelet

Circa 1985
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$250,000 - 500,000 
€29,700-59,500
$32,100-64,100

Sold for HK$504,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV

28 - 29 November 2022 (Online Registration ends 27 Nov, 2pm HKT)