248 Rolex Very Important and Attractive, Day-Date, Automatic Wristwatch in Platinum, Birch Wood Dial, Diamond-set Bezel, Reference 18 346

Estimate: €50,000 –⁠ 100,000

Model: Day-Date
Reference: 18346
Case Material: Platinum
Bracelet Material: Platinum
Year: 1994
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 3155
Case N°: S496254
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement

The reference 18 346 made by Rolex is one of very few equipped with the more precious and unusual diamond bezel instead of the classic fluted or a smooth one. The last digit “6” represents Rolex’s use of platinum. Heavy, lavish and luxurious, this material is known as the noblest of all metals. The present lot is a specimen of this reference and has been produced with a three-body solid tonneau case extremely well preserved and fresh with clear and deep hallmarks. Another interesting peculiarity is that both bracelet and case are perfect, showing the original design like when it left the Rolex company. Most of all, the dial is amazing, realized using a light tone of wood, specifically the birch one. With most “wood” dials found in yellow-gold cases, the platinum variant is certainly very rare. Requiring precise execution, no “wood” dial is the same as another, making every single one “unique”. Moreover, wood dials are extremely hard to work with as they are brittle and for dial makers to cut out apertures of the day and date without fracturing the material requires supreme artisanal craftsmanship to execute. The present example is offered in attractive condition with a nice case, an excellent dial, Rolex sticker on the back and powered by the double quick set caliber 3155.