Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1995 Reference No: 18206 Movement No: 7’031’280 Case No: W438’918, inside caseback stamped “18200” Model Name: Day-Date 36 Material: Platinum Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3155, 31 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Platinum Rolex President bracelet, endlinks stamped “55B”, max length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Rolex concealed folding clasp Dimensions: 36mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Juwelier Riede, Germany dated August 1995, associated presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Debuting in 1977, the ref. 18000 Rolex Day-Date series succeeded the iconic ref. 1800, ushering in upgrades including a new movement. In 1988, Rolex unveiled the ref. 18200 Day-Dates, equipped with the cal. 3155 and its practical quickset function for independently adjusting the day and date.
The present circa 1995 ref. 18206 exemplifies the evolution of Rolex's prestigious flagship model. The 36mm platinum case and sunburst silver dial with diamond indexes exude luxurious appeal. Accompanied by its guarantee, this Day-Date is preserved in an attractive overall condition. Its hefty platinum case and double quickset caliber epitomize Rolex's relentless pursuit of excellence in refining their most prestigious model over decades, evident in the exceptional quality and functionality of this classic Day-Date reference.
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.