A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day Date model, often referred to as the "President", in solid eighteen carat yellow gold with factory set diamond lugs and bezel. This is a very rare example of the always advertised "flagship" Rolex watch in the line. Even when this watch was made, in the 1990's, the President was THE Rolex to own. Having the lugs as well as the bezel diamond set were even further luxury options. As is the factory set dial with both the princess cut and baguette cut diamonds. This watch listed over $50,000 when new, and was not an easy variation of the model to find. The factory diamond set dials were available. The addition of the graduated lugs and bezel setting were lavish and costly extras. This is also something that is more common today, with most authorised dealers stocking such examples.
Arguably, the Rolex Day Date is the ultimate status symbol. It was always portrayed to the public this way by the media team at Rolex, and it was always promoted to world leaders, titans of industry and the sports and movie stars around the globe. Although much has changed with regards to Rolex's offering, and the special variations that are on offer, it was always the "President" that led the way in rare, unusual and gem set variants. This is very much true in this case.
The watch was first introduced into the Rolex line up under the reference 6511 in 1956, and a year later was re-modeled as the 6611 and featured the Rolex calibre 1055 movement. This model ran until 1959 when the 1803 reference was introduced with a new movement, again. This time the 1555 calibre. The 1803 model with this calibre only ran until 1965 until. At which point it was again, updated. This time Rolex fitted the 1556 calibre. This reference then upgraded to 18030. However, by the time the watch reached the 1990's the reference numbers changed, with this example being branded as the 18388. A very fortuitous reference if the number eight is important to you! This reference was fitted with the caliber 3155.
The other fortuitous element to this later reference is the 'double quick' date setting change. Initial 18030 models were only single quick, changing just the day of the month with a turn of the crown. By this stage, having been introduced in 1988, the movement upgrades included the day of the week. This is also a sapphire crystal, as the Perspex had been upgraded by this stage.
This example is in superb original condition. The case is unpolished, only signs of light wear, and very, very sharp case lines throughout, along with the case feet. When looking at the back of the watch, this confirms no polishing. The original and rare model number case back sticker is present. The edges are all razor sharp, feet again strong, and all the relevant hallmarks with no signs at all of brushing or wear. The original Rolex President bracelet is fully signed on the deployant with all the correct marks and the eighteen carat gold marks, along with correct model numbers on the inside of the end links. The bracelet is very tight with little, to no sag at all. It is on the shorter side having been sized for a smaller wrist. If additional links are needed, this can be arranged.
The dial is untouched, and shows no sign of wear or damage. It is a classic gold dial fitted to the iconic Day Date, and has the mixture of the baguette and brilliant cut stones on the hour markers. This dial is a "T Swiss T" dial meaning it features Tritium luminous material. All the original Tritium lume plots are in tact that have toned into a light ivory colour. The printing of the classic serif text is in black, which stands out from the dial, and is all encircled by the outer minute track with small. The classic, solid gold, baton hands contain no luminous material, which is correct and common for later gem set dials. The serial number of this watch is S934XXXX which dates it to circa 1994. All serial and model numbers are clear and present.
This is an exceptional watch, rare today, especially in condition such as this. Even the original factory, solid eighteen carat gold, spring bars are present. Which although a minor detail, confirms this watches originality. Given the look of the new model, this now 'vintage' example has much more charm and a beautiful feel to it.
