220 Rolex Absolutely Outstanding, Precious and Glamorous, Day-Date “Octopussy”, Automatic Wristwatch in Platinum, Silvered Diamond Set Dial, Bezel and Bracelet, Reference 1804
Estimate: €200,000 – 400,000
Sold (Premium)€234,000
Model: Day-Date
Reference: 1804
Case Material: Platinum
Bracelet Material: Platinum
Year: 1970
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 1556
Case N°: 2 541 217
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Literature: Sold at Christie's “Important Watches” 14 May 2012, as lot 409 for 165,000 CHF
Rolex’s Day-Date wristwatch is an iconic model both for its classic masculine case, and early innovative automatic movement. It represents Rolex’s top-of-the-line watch: displaying the day of the week below 12 o’clock and the date at 3 o’clock, the Day-Date became known as the President because the watch was worn by numerous American presidents. Launched in 1956, the Day-Date is among the most universally known and beloved luxury watches, having a level of style, elegance, and desirability that few other timepieces will ever see. The attractive and rare 1804 here offered is extremely precious due to many different features. Clearly, the highlight of this watch is the embellished President bracelet with round brilliant diamonds on the outer links, accented with baguette diamonds on the center links. The cylindrically set diamonds prominently rise high above the links and resemble the look of the suction cups on an octopus’s tentacles, affectionately called “Octopussy” by the collector community. Second preciousness is the diamond bezel that surrounds the platinum case nicely preserved and match perfectly with the diamond-set hour markers placed into the silvered dial. Last but not least, the watch is fully made in platinum for both case and bracelet, the most important material ever produced by Rolex. Surely an extremely appealing version, the present lot also strikes for its quality. This 1804 is a stunning example of Rolex’s most prestigious version of the Day-Date, and maybe the most desirable one, making it a true trophy timepiece for the discerning collector.