The 5 Most Expensive Rolex Day Date Watches

T he 168开奖官方开奖网站查询:Rolex Day-Date was introduced in 1956, combining both technical innovation with a design that still remains ꦑstriking over six decades later. Read on to discover five of the most expensive Rolex Day Dat𝄹e watches sold at auction since 2021.

The History and Legacy of the Rolex Day Date

The 168开奖官方开奖网站查询:Rolex Day-Date was introduced in 1956, twelve years after Rolex pioneered the first self-winding wristwatch with a date display (the Rolex Datejust). The Rolex Day Date upped the ante by becoming the world's first watch to display both the calendar date and the day👍 of the week.

While that may seem rather simple꧋ today, when grand complications are a fixture of many watchmakers’ collections, this was a significant luxury for an everyday watch. In the 1950s, the serially-produced options were either time-only or the relatively new (and relatively uncommon) date models or utilitarian tool watches. The Day-Date was took the best of all of three and🦋 combined them into one, refined design that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

From a functไional standpoint, the complication was suited to people with hectic schedules, those at the top of their field. This C-suite association was emphasized by the choice to exclusively produce the Rolex Day-Date in precious metals, originally either 18 carat ෴yellow gold or platinum. Stylistically, the Rolex Day Date spoke the same design language as the Rolex Datejust: a cyclops crystal magnifying the date display, a quintessentially mid-century “pie pan” dial, a smooth or fluted bezel.

The Origin of the Rolex President Nickname

The one significant detail introduced by the Rolex Day Date was what is now known as the “President” bracelet: comprised of three-part, semicircle links with alternating brushed and polished finishes. The new bracelet design essentially split the difference between the “Jubilee” and “Oyster” styles that existed 🧸in Rolex’s collection, achieving a balance of eye-catching shine and clean-lined decorum. But, for all the visual similarities between the Rolex Day Date and previous models, the new watch was unmistakably in a league of its own. The Rolex Datejust, more widely available in steel, was an elevated workhorse watch for the everyman whereas the Day-Date was an unabashedly luxurious timepiece for an elite few.

Rolex had already begun establishing itself as a purveyor to the world’s most powerful players, having gifted Rolex Datejust watches to Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower for their pivotal roles in winning World War II. At the time, Eisenhower was still a 5-star general in the U.S. military but he would continue to don his Datejust after ascending to the Presidency—one unfounded theory as to where the Day-Date got its moniker. Eisenhower’s successor, John F. Kennedy, actually was bestowed a Rolex Day Da🌜te, though it neve꧑r graced his wrist.

Rolex Day Date Reference 18059 Rainbow Khanjar Circa 1984, 983,000 GBP

This Rolex Day Date Reference 18059 Rainbow Khanjar was sold for 983,000 GBP in February 2022. This remarkable Rolex President was notable for both the craftsmanship on display and its fascinating history. Com෴missioned by Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman, this rare timepiece was one of only five produced in 1984. The watch was crafted in 18k white gold and featured a stunning pavé diamond dial, accented by a bezel set with an array of colored sapphires that matched the hour markers. What truly sets this piece apart is the engraved Khanjar - the national symbol of Oman - on the case back. This historically significant mark has made Omani-signed Rolex watches highly coveted by collectors.

This particular watch holds a special place in the annals of Rolex history, as it was presented directly by Sultan Qaboos to its original owner. It remained in new old stock condition and was previously stored unworn in a safe. Its rarity is further emphasized by the fact that it was the first of its kind to be publicly offered at auction. The combination of its immaculate co🍃ndition, historical significance, and the exotic allure of the Kha♕njar engraving makes it an unparalleled find for collectors.

Rolex Day Date Reference 1803 Custom Circa 1969, 3,906,000 HKD

Day Date Rolex — Rolex Day Date Reference 1803 Custom

This168开奖官方开奖网站查询: Rolex Day Date Reference 1803 was sold for 3,906,000 HKD in October 2021. This intriguing Rolex is a testament to the vision of its original owner, who sought a Rolex Day Date with the robust aesthetic of a Rolex Submariner or Rolex Sea-Dweller. This watch was delivered in 1969, entirely crafted in white gold and featuring a custom dial with a black matte finish. The piece was accented by luminous dots and baton numerals - elements typically found on Professional sports models rat🃏her than on a Rolex Day Date. Its luminous Mercedes hands and the Rolex Submariner-style dial gave the watch a rugged yet refined appearance and set it apart from traditional Day Date Rolex designs.

This watch first surfaced on the auction market in 2017, creating a buzz among collectors and scholars due to its unique customization. The original owner's bold customization choices have left a lasting legacy that transformed this Rolex President into a rare and intriguing𓆉 piece of Rolex watch history celebrated for its unconventional blend of elegance and sportiness.

Rolex Day Date Reference 18008 Circa 1986, 252,000 USD

This 168开奖官方开奖网站查询:Rolex Day Date Reference 18008 was sold for 252,000 USD in June 2022. This Day Date Rolex is an exquisite example of the brand’s ability to blend luxury with artistry. This 1986 model is one of the few Reference 18008 w♍atches known to exist, each distinguished by a unique dial configuration. The present example features a hand-engraved textured yellow gold dial, accented with ruby hour markers and diamond minute markers, creating a visually striking contrast. The bezel is equally remarkable, with a gradient effect achieved by setting baguette-cut rubies on the upper half and sapphires on the lower half.

The brilliance of this timepiece is not just in its gemstones but in the subtle transitions of color that can only be truly appreciated i🐠n person. Offered by its original owner, this Rolex President has been preserved in exceptional condition, making it a rare find for collectors who value both the beauty and the historical significance of Rolex's rare gem-set creations.

Rolex Day Date Reference 228206 Circa 2018, 214,200 CHF

This 168开奖官方开奖网站查询:Rolex Day Date Reference 228206 was sold for 214,200 ܫCHF in May 2022. This Rolex Day Date example stands out not only for its luxurious materials but also for its rare and highly collectible Eastern-Arabic dial. Introduced in🌠 1956, the Rolex Day Date has been synonymous with exclusivity, epitomized in the platinum offerings. This particular watch features a silvered blue dial with Eastern-Arabic numerals, a detail that significantly enhances its desirability among collectors.

This example w🗹as accompanied by a full set, including the original box, papers, and various accessories. The platinum case, coupled with the unique dial, made this a standout piece, offering a blend of cultural significance and luxury that few other watches could match. This made this rare Rolex President highly sou💦ght-after by Rolex collectors.

Rolex Day Date Reference 18206 Circa 1989, 190,500 USD

This 168开奖官方开奖网站查询:Rolex Day Date Reference 18206 was sold for 190,500 USD in December 2023. The platinum construction coupled with an Onyx dial was a perfect blend of understated luxury and rarity. The platinum Rolex Day Date models often appear similar to steel or white gold to the untrained eye, but the 🉐smooth bezel and distinctive weight give away their prestigious nature. This particular reference features a rare Onyx dial with silver printing and matching aperture frames, elem💜ents that are hallmarks of a platinum Rolex Day Date with an Onyx dial.

Theꦡ no-lume handset and the monochromatic effect created by the Onyx dial gave this watch a modern and sophisticated appearance. In collector-grade condition, its elegance and rarity made it an exceptional piece for collectors 🍷who appreciate the subtle nuances of Rolex's design and craftsmanship.

The Rolex President remains one of the most iconic models in the world of horology, a symbol of prestige and timeless elegance. The top five selling Rolex Day Dateꦛ watches each tell a unique story, showcasing the diversity and artistry that Rolex has brought to this line over the decades. From rare commissions for royalty to custom designs that blend luxury with sportiness, these watches are more than just timepieces. They act as pieces of history that continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike. Whether it is the exotic allure of the Khanjar engraving or the understated luxury of a platinum Onyx dial, each of these watches represent the history and prestige of the Rolex brand.

Advantages to Buying Rolex Watches on the Secondary Market

1. Access

Sotheby’s provides exclusive access to a curated selection of 168开奖官方开奖网站查询:Rolex watches from its long established glo🎉bal network of sellers. As a leading marketplace, Sotheby's offers sought-after Rolex watches, from iconic classics to rare, collectible editions. Our watch specialists are dedicated to sourcing the most desirable Rolex models from collectors around the world.

2. Flexibility

Sotheby’s offers multiple ways to purchase Rolex watches, including online and in꧑ person at our l💛ocations in New York, Hong Kong, Paris, and London. We also provide a concierge service to help source specific Rolex models not available online.

3. Value

While authorized Rolex boutiques offer their latest collections, finding specific models—especially those with strong collector demand—can be challenging due to availability 🌞constraints. Sotheby’s presents a curated selection of Rolex watches, including rare and discontinued references, available for purchase without the need to visit multiple retailers. Shopping with Sotheby’s ensures access to exceptional Rolex timepieces, from vintage icons to modern grail watches, all authenticated by experts.

4. Discovery

One of the greatest advantages of shopping in a global luxury marketplace is the chance to discover unique, limited-production Rolex watches no longer available a🀅t retail. Our curated selection of Rolex watches is continu🐓ously refreshed, ensuring that you’ll always find something new and exclusive.

Buy and Sell Your Rolex Day Date with Sotheby's

Sotheby’s offers a curated selection of the finest 168开奖官方开奖网站查询:Rolex watches available for immediate purchase, as 🐬well as through auctions held in New York, Paris, and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Rolex models in every sale, including iconic pieces like the Daytona, GMT-Master, Submariner, and more in exceptional condition. Sotheby’s auctions feature an array of Rolex timepieces, ranging from elegant v🏅intage models to contemporary masterpieces, showcasing the brand’s unmatched craftsmanship and innovation.

Prices for Rolex watches start around $10,000 for simpler models like the Datejust and rise significantly for highly sought-after pieces. Iconic models such as the Day-Date and Daytona often command starting prices of $50,000, while rare collectible editions can exceed $200,000.