3 Rolex A highly attractive, rare and very fine, Day-Date, automatic wristwatch in yellow gold with onyx diamond dial, reference 18038.

Estimate: CHF 15,000 –⁠ 30,000

Renowned for its robust, purpose-driven timepieces, Rolex has rarely ventured into the realm of pure minimalism. Yet the present Day-Date reference 18038 stands as a striking exception, a masterclass in restraint and elegance. Encased in yellow gold and framed by the signature fluted bezel, this example distinguishes itself by foregoing traditional dial embellishments in favor of an extraordinary onyx dial. At the nine and six o’clock positions, two finely stylized Arabic numerals are subtly adorned with round-cut diamonds. However, it is the expanse of deep black onyx that truly takes center stage, allowing its natural luster and rich depth to be fully appreciated. A testament to both rarity and craftsmanship, hardstone dials such as this have witnessed a remarkable resurgence in desirability, driven in part by the growing appreciation for their inherent scarcity and the painstaking process required to extract and shape these materials to Rolex’s exacting standards. The interplay between the warm gold case, the sleek, mirror-like surface of the onyx, and the diamond-set hour markers creates a composition that is at once bold and restrained, offering a unique and unexpected take on the Day-Date’s timeless sophistication. With its enigmatic presence and minimalist grandeur, this exceptional timepiece embodies the art of simplicity at its most opulent.