270 Rolex Extremely Important and Collectable, Day-date, Automatic Wristwatch in White-gold, Cherry-red Diamond-set Lacquered “stella” Dial and Bezel, Reference 18049, With Khanjar Logo on the Case Back

Estimate: €60,000 –⁠ 120,000

Model: Day-Date
Reference: 18049
Case Material: White Gold
Bracelet Material: White Gold
Year: 1979
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 3055
Case N°: 6041581
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case

The Day-Date was presented at Basel 1956 and it is the only Rolex model that has ever been made solely with noble materials, such as platinum and yellow, pink or white gold even though a handful of prototypes made of steel and, consequently, of exceptional values have been found in recent years. The watch offered here is a special specimen of the reference 18049 in white gold with a special bezel with diamonds and a Red Stella dial also with diamonds indexes with brilliant and baguette cut and the special rectangular window showing the day at twelve o’clock and the date shown at three o’clock. These dials are very rare as produced in small quantities, in fact, the varnisher, who has had to go through a long period of training to get to this point, begins by using a spray gun to add layers of lacquer to a dial. After each layer is applied, the dial spends a short time in the oven to dry off. This part of the process is just too dry and harden the layer that has just been applied before the next layer goes on. Once all of the colored layers have dried, a clear layer of varnish is then applied and polished by hand. The 18049 is already part of the Day-Date family with “quick sets” that allows you to adjust the date faster and more quickly. The waterproof case, thinned after the first much thicker models, is equipped with a beautiful white-gold bracelet with the classic “president” texture, a name derived from the special watch that was donated to President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Moreover, this Day-Date is even more special for the presence of the rare and always appreciated Khanjar logo. It has become known in the recent years for being depicted on special watches directly commissioned by the Sultan of Oman, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said.