Property of an Important Rocky Mountain Collector
Rolex
Reference 118209 Day-Date | A white gold and diamond-set automatic wristwatch with day, date, and lapis lazuli dial, Circa 2006
Auction Closed
December 8, 10:03 PM GMT
Estimate
20,000 - 40,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Dial: lapis lazuli, diamond-set indices
Caliber: cal. 3135 automatic, 31 jewels
Case: 18k white gold, screw down case back
Case number: Z'809'246
Closure: 18k white gold Rolex Oyster bracelet with folding clasp
Size: 36 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 190 mm
Signed: case, dial, movement
Box: yes
Papers: yes
Accessories: Rolex presentation box with outer packaging, International Guarantee Card dated 1 December 2014, booklets, plastic bezel protector, and hangtags
The Day-Date maintains its status as one of the most coveted timepieces since it was introduced in 1956, and has graced the wrists of many a Head of State, earning its nickname The President. During the 1970s to the 1990s Rolex saw a bold design period where they experimented by fitting their timepieces with a variety of dials made from unique materials, a decision that was quite daring at the time, and that carried through to the early 2000s.
The examples fitted with hardstones, coral, wood, and even fossils, have risen significantly in popularity with collectors today, and have developed a kind of cult-following amongst Rolex enthusiasts. Day-Date models with original factory dials made from these materials were especially sought after, and, coupled with its extremely limited production numbers and fragility of the dial materials, examples in good condition are exceedingly rare.
The present example Circa 2006 features a beautiful diamond-set lapis lazuli dial and is exceptional for its unworn and fully stickered condition. We are pleased to offer this incredible example of the Reference 118209 with its full suite of accessories.