8 Rolex Very Fascinating and Esteemed, Day-Date, Automatic Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, Tiger-eye Dial, Reference 18 238

Estimate: € 12,000 –⁠ 24,000

Model: Day-Date
Reference: 18238
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1989
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 3155
Case N°: L410784
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement

Rolex has always loved experimenting and daring in its productions using the most particular materials to make absolutely unique dials. These creations are now at the center of a whirling interest from collectors and anyone looking for something rare and unusual. In some cases it is not necessary to be an expert to be able to appreciate certain details on a dial, and this is even easier when the whole quadrant is special: Rolex has therefore produced models of Datejust and Day-Date with some hard stones, such as onyx, malachite, lapis lazuli, meteorite or coral, all very appreciated and sought after. But if someone has to try and choose one of the most appreciated materials, it would probably stand out the Tiger Eye dial like the one mounted on this watch. The present watch is a rare example of a Day-Date reference 18 238 fully produced in 18 k yellow gold. The whole case is preserved in great conditions with crisp hallmarks under the lugs. On this specimen has been mounted on a catching Tiger-Eye stone: one important thing to underline is that due to their fragile nature many of these dials used to break during their production and only a real expert could work on these types of materials. Moreover, it was very problematic also its application on the watch which needed all the attention and experience of a watchmaker, it follows that even the production costs were quite high, bringing these specimens to be highly sought after by collectors. The delicate stone dial features an aperture for the date at 3 o’clock and at 12 o’clock for the day, and gorgeous yellow-gold hour and minute hands with sweep center seconds.