ROLEX, DAY-DATE REF. 18168 ‘DEEP BLUE’, A GOLD AND DIAMOND AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH LAPIS LAZULI DIAL
Lot 56

ROLEX, DAY-DATE REF. 18168 ‘DEEP BLUE’, A GOLD AND DIAMOND AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH LAPIS LAZULI DIAL

CASE NUMBER: 9’178’646

Closed27 October 2021

Price Realised

USD 118,750

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ROLEX, DAY-DATE REF. 18168 ‘DEEP BLUE’, A GOLD AND DIAMOND AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH LAPIS LAZULI DIAL
CASE NUMBER: 9’178’646
CIRCA: 1986
CASE MATERIAL: 18k yellow gold, bezel fitted with 24 baguette-cut diamonds
DIAMETER: 36 mm.
BRACELET: 18k yellow gold Rolex President, end links stamped 55
DIAL: Lapis Lazuli with gold tapering hands with enamel insert
MOVEMENT: Cal. 3055, automatic
FUNCTIONS: Time, day, date
CLASP: 18k yellow gold Rolex concealed deployant clasp
PROVENANCE: Phillips Glamourous Day-Date Auction, Geneva, May 2015

Specialist note

Rolex started making hard-stone dials in the 1970s, mainly on its flagship Day-Date and Datejust models. It is learnt that only a few examples of this ultra-luxurious Rolex Day-Date reference 18168 were produced and sold, thanks to its considerable retail price. This is a magnificent example of what makes the Day-Date such a glamourous wristwatch.

The yellow gold case, fitted with a 24 baguette-cut diamond bezel, contrasts beautifully with the deep blue lapis lazuli hard stone dial that has hints of naturally-occurring gold flecks (these are actually traces of the mineral pyrite). These flecks are inclusions that can actually increase the value of the stone.

This watch is in excellent condition and remains unworn since it was last seen at the auction in May 2015.