ROLEX | A YELLOW GOLD DIAMOND-SET CENTRE SECONDS WRISTWATCH WITH DIAMOND SAPPHIRE AND RUBY-SET HONEYCOMB DIAL, DAY, DATE AND BRACELETREF 19048 CASE 6744577 OYSTER QUARTZ DAY-DATE CIRCA 1981

Movement: cal. 5055 quartz, 11 jewels Case: 18k yellow gold Oysterquartz, diamond-set bezel, screw-down crown and backDial: diamond, sapphire and ruby-set honeycomb dialBracelet/Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold Rolex Oysterquartz bracelet and folding claspDiameter: 36mm, bracelet circumference approx. 175mmSigned: case, dial and movement Accessories: none

CASE: the case with some minor dents and scuffs to the band and case back, consistent with minimal use and age, overall good condition. The bracelet with minimal warping. Scuffs consistent with age and wear. DIAL: in excellent condition, stones bright and lively. MOVEMENT: running at the time of cataloguing. Day and date advancing. Hand-setting slipping on occasion. Quick change operational. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

This Day Date Oysterquartz is fitted with one of the rarest, most audacious and eye-catching dials Rolex ever produced consisting of a honeycomb of alternating rubies and sapphires. The centre of the hexagons are pavé-set with diamonds.  One can easily imagine the important premium such a precious dial commanded when the piece was originally purchased. 

It is interesting to note that the present lot is only signed 'Rolex Day Date' and that the 'Oysterquartz' isn't present. This tends to confirm the very limited production of these dials which were fitted on automatic and quartz Day Date models alike.Their scarcity and bold look make the pieces bearing these dials treasured by collectors. Furthermore, the present dial is perfectly complimented by the diamond-set bezel and the gold Oysterquartz case and bracelet still showing their original finish.