The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO | Page 30

17 . Rolex

A fine and rare yellow gold calendar wristwatch with sweep centre seconds and ferrite hardstone dial

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�𒀘 , 𑑓𑁖𐚙 , . 𢡤金 動 𘠁 , ㈨ 秒針 黑 𘠁 � ,“' D \ ' DWH ”, , 年製

Reference No . 18038 Movement No . 1 ’ 608 ’ 609 Case No . 9 ’ 399 ’ 766 Model Name Day-Date Material 18k yellow gold and ferrite Calibre Automatic , 3055 ,

27 jewels Bracelet / Strap Black crocodile leather strap Clasp / Buckle Gilt Rolex buckle stamped Rolex SA Dimensions 36 mm . diameter Signed

Case , dial and movement signed

Estimate HKD 80,000-120,000 USD 10,000-15,000

Reference 18038 was produced from 1977 to 1988 . The reference was characterized by its fluted bezel and sapphire crystal . The present watch features an appealing ferrite dial that sparkles and gives an enormous lift to its appearance . The dial is further finished with gold Roman numerals and gold frames fitted around the day and date apertures . The present Day-Date is in overall very pleasant and original condition .

18 . Rolex

A fine and very rare yellow gold and diamond-set calendar wristwatch with sweep centre seconds and fossil hardstone dial

�𒀘 , 𑑓𑁖 非 ⒋𐚙 , . 𢡤金 動 𘠁 , ㈨ 𓀠𓎕 曆 𠙗 、 ‎𐢇‏秒針 𘠁 � ,“' D \ ' DWH ”, , 年製

Reference No . 18238 Movement No . 7 ’ 159 ’ 950 Case No . W327347 Model Name Day-Date Material 18k yellow gold and diamonds Calibre Automatic , 3155 ,

31 jewels Bracelet / Strap Grey crocodile leather strap Clasp / Buckle Gilt Rolex buckle stamped Rolex SA Dimensions 35.5 mm . diameter Signed

Case , dial and movement signed

Estimate HKD 100,000-200,000 USD 12,500-25,000

Literature For another example of a reference 18238 with a diamond-set fossil dial , please see Day-Date The Presidential Rolex by Pucci Papaleo , pages 416 and 417 .

Rolex incorporated a variety of different hard stone into their dials and transform every single watch into a unique creation . Working with hard stone is an extremely delicate and time-consuming process , making these examples exceedingly rare . This present reference 18238 features one of the rarest dial versions carved from a petrified fossil . The watch is further enhanced with diamondset numerals set within gold chatons , giving it a very exclusive and sophisticated look . Offered in unpolished condition , the watch still retains its factory sticker to the case back .