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Introduced in 1956, the Rolex Day Date, often referred to as the "Rolex Presidential," has remained a cornerstone of the Rolex catalog. It was the first wristwatch to display both the date and the day of the week spelled out in full, setting a new standard for luxury timepieces. Over the decades, Rolex has released a variety of rare and highly sought-after iterations of the Day Date, featuring exclusive dial designs, opulent materials, and unique regional insignias. These exceptional pieces have not only captured the attention of collectors but have also cemented the Day Date’s reputation as a symbol of prestige and refinement. In this article, we explore five remarkable Rolex Day Date references from the Sotheby’s archive, each showcasing distinctive characteristics that make them truly exceptional.
This Rolex Day Date Stella Reference 18078 was sold for 336,000 HKD in October 2024 as part of Sotheby’s Important Watches I auction.
Produced in 1979, this model is one of the most vibrant and eye-catching versions of the Rolex Day-Date family. The striking blue lacquered Stella dial, adorned with diamond-set hour markers, contrasts beautifully with its 18k yellow gold case, creating an exquisite balance of elegance and boldness. Rolex introduced Stella dials in the 1970s and continued their production into the early 1990s. These brightly colored dials, originally overlooked by many collectors, have since become highly coveted treasures. This particular example, preserved in outstanding condition, drew significant interest at auction, resulting in a remarkable final sale price.
This Rolex Day Date Reference 1803 was sold for 406,400 HKD in April 2023 as part of Sotheby’s Important Watches I sale.
Manufactured in 1975, this Rolex showcases a bold green Stella dial featuring a stepped outer minute track, often referred to as a "pie-pan" dial due to its sloped design. The deep green hue of the dial, paired with the luxurious 18k yellow gold case, creates a visually stunning contrast. What sets this piece apart is its Spanish-language day and date display, adding an extra layer of uniqueness for collectors who appreciate regional variations.
At 36 mm, the case offers a balanced presence on the wrist, complemented by a black leather strap that lends a classic and understated touch. The Rolex Day-Date Reference 1803 remains one of the most collectible variations of the Day Date, valued for its rich history, bold aesthetic, and the increasing rarity of vibrant Stella dials.
This Rolex Day Date Royal Khanjar Reference 18038 was sold for 22,860 GBP in September 2023 as part of Sotheby’s Fine Watches sale in London.
Produced in 1983, this Rolex Day Date is a striking example of the brand’s long-standing association with royalty. The watch features a champagne dial adorned with the Royal Khanjar insignia, symbolizing its connection to the Sultanate of Oman. Rolex watches bearing this emblem were typically commissioned as gifts or special editions, making them particularly sought after by collectors for their exclusivity and historical significance.
The watch is powered by the Caliber 3055 automatic movement and housed in a classic 36 mm 18k yellow gold case, complete with a matching President bracelet. Accessories accompanying this piece, including spare bracelet links, service correspondence, and a leather pouch, further enhanced its appeal at auction.
This Rolex Day Date Reference 228206 was sold for 214,200 CHF in May 2022 as part of Sotheby’s Important Watches: Part I sale in Geneva.
This Rolex Day Date stands out for its platinum construction and rare Eastern-Arabic numeral dial. The use of Eastern-Arabic numerals has long been favored among collectors in the Middle East, making these variations particularly desirable. The cool-toned platinum case and bracelet provide a striking contrast to the elegant, culturally significant dial.
This particular model was accompanied by a full set, including the original box, papers, and various accessories, adding to its value and collectability. Combining timeless Rolex craftsmanship with a distinct and rare dial design, this platinum Day Date remains a prized piece among connoisseurs of fine timepieces.
The Rolex Day Date Reference 18388 was sold for 57,150 CHF in May 2023 as part of Sotheby’s Important Watches: Part I sale in Geneva.
Dating back to 1988, this Rolex Day Date is an extravagant take on the classic design, featuring an opulent semi-skeletonized gilt diamond-set lace dial. The meticulous detailing showcases Rolex’s expertise in blending high watchmaking with fine jewelry craftsmanship. The 36 mm 18k yellow gold case is further enhanced with diamond embellishments, while the iconic yellow gold Jubilee bracelet elevates the overall aesthetic.
Powered by the Caliber 3155 automatic movement, the watch also features a screw-down case back to ensure durability. A Rolex service warranty card from 2018 accompanied this piece, highlighting its well-maintained condition. This dazzling interpretation of the Rolex Day Date exemplifies the brand’s ability to push the boundaries of luxury and create timepieces that are both horological marvels and wearable works of art.
The Rolex Day Date continues to reign as a symbol of prestige, exclusivity, and technical excellence. From the vivid hues of Stella dials to royal insignias and rare Eastern-Arabic numerals, these five extraordinary references from the Sotheby’s archive highlight the breadth of designs that have cemented the Day Date’s status as a collector’s dream. Whether crafted in platinum or yellow gold, adorned with diamonds or featuring bold dial variations, each of these models tells a unique story of cultural influence, masterful craftsmanship, and enduring appeal. As Rolex continues to innovate while maintaining its legacy, the Rolex Day Date remains an essential icon in horological history.
Sotheby’s provides exclusive access to a curated selection of Rolex watches from its long established global network of sellers. As a leading marketplace, Sotheby's offers sought-after Rolex watches, from iconic classics to rare, collectible editions. Our watch specialists are dedicated to sourcing the most desirable Rolex models from collectors around the world.
Sotheby’s offers multiple ways to purchase Rolex watches, including online and in person at our locations in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris, and London. We also provide a concierge service to help source specific Rolex models not available online.
While authorized Rolex boutiques offer their latest collections, finding specific models—especially those with strong collector demand—can be challenging due to availability constraints. Sotheby’s presents a curated selection of Rolex watches, including rare and discontinued references, available for purchase without the need to visit multiple retailers. Shopping with Sotheby’s ensures access to exceptional Rolex timepieces, from vintage icons to modern grail watches, all authenticated by experts.
One of the greatest advantages of shopping in a global luxury marketplace is the chance to discover unique, limited-production Rolex watches no longer available at retail. Our curated selection of Rolex watches is continuously refreshed, ensuring that you’ll always find something new and exclusive.
Sotheby’s offers a curated selection of the finest Rolex watches available for immediate purchase, as well as through auctions held in New York, Paris, Zurich, and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Rolex models in every sale, including iconic pieces like the Daytona, GMT-Master, Submariner, and more in exceptional condition. Sotheby’s auctions feature an array of Rolex timepieces, ranging from elegant vintage models to contemporary masterpieces, showcasing the brand’s unmatched craftsmanship and innovation.
Prices for Rolex watches start around $10,000 for simpler models like the Datejust and rise significantly for highly sought-after pieces. Iconic models such as the Day-Date and Daytona often command starting prices of $50,000, while rare collectible editions can exceed $200,000.
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