66 Rolex An impressively rare, important and attractive, Day-Date, automatic wristwatch in platinum, with burgundy lacquered diamond “Stella” dial and diamond bezel, made in a limited series of 9 pieces only, reference 1831.

Estimate: Fr. 150'000 –⁠ 300'000

• Model Day-Date
• Year Circa 1977
• Reference 1831
• Case Material Platinum
• Case Number N° 002, 5'086'929
• Bracelet Material Platinum Rolex bracelet, approximate length 190mm
• Movement Automatic, cal. 1556, 26 jewels
• Dimension 36mm Diameter
• Signed Case, dial and movement
• Literature This specific watch is published in: - John Goldberger Book “100 Superlative Rolex Watches” at page 178-179.

Few creations in Rolex history achieve the level of singularity embodied by reference 1831. Conceived during the 1970s, this extraordinary model stands apart not only within the Day-Date family but across the entire production of the brand, representing a rare moment where ambition clearly outweighed industrial logic. Unlike virtually all other Rolex watches, this reference was not designed with standardization in mind. Instead, it was conceived as an object of prestige, with nearly every element developed specifically for it. Research suggests that only nine pieces were ever made, all in platinum, and widely believed to have been intended for the Shah of Iran, a patron known for his taste for exceptional and highly exclusive commissions. The watch impresses immediately through its sheer physical presence. With a weight approaching 300 grams, it is defined by a bold case paired with a bracelet of substantial, satin-finished links, an architecture never revisited in later Day-Date models. Its design language recalls the strong, sculptural forms associated with Gérald Genta’s era, reinforcing its unconventional identity. Equally distinctive is the dial. While its deep burgundy tone evokes Stella lacquer dials, its layout is entirely special, with large diamond-set markers positioned along the outer minute track, creating a striking sense of scale and visual tension. In the realm of Rolex collecting, certain references transcend rarity to reach legendary status. The 1831 firmly belongs to this category. The present example, numbered “2” on the caseback, represents an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire a watch that can truly be considered among the ultimate expressions of the Day-Date.