Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1997 Reference No: 18206, further stamped 18200 inside the case Movement No: 7’756’198 Case No: U701’297 Model Name: Day-Date Material: Platinum, onyx Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3155, 31 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Platinum Rolex President bracelet, links stamped 55B, max overall length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Rolex concealed deployant clasp, stamped 8385 Dimensions: 36.5mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by a green leather Rolex presentation box, numbered hang tag, Rolex hang tag, bezel protector, leather envelope, suede pouch, service pamphlet, leather folio with Rolex pad, two polish clothes and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
The Day-Date was the first model to include the full name of the day at 12 o’clock and a date aperture at 3 o’clock. The semi-circular link bracelet, officially named “President,” is as iconic as the watch itself. The original references 6510 and 6511 were replaced by the famed reference 1803 in 1959 with a sporty 36mm diameter case, fluted bezel, and gold President bracelet, and offered in yellow, white, and rose gold, and platinum. In 1977, Rolex introduced a new generation model with the caliber 3055 with quickset date, which was upgraded again in 1988 with the caliber 3155, allowing quick set for both the date and day.
The present reference 18206 from 1997 features an incredibly rare and charismatic hard-stone onyx dial with silver print, providing for an elegant and contemporary appeal. The midnight black onyx dial contrasts with the platinum case providing a powerful aesthetic, which is enhanced by minimal graphics.
The Day-Date is one of the most sought after wristwatches available today. Fitted with an onyx dial, is a timepiece with panache and subtle charm.
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.
Ref. 18206, further stamped 18200 inside the case An extremely rare and highly attractive platinum calendar wristwatch with onyx dial and presentation box
1997 36.5mm diameter Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
