ROLEX | DAY-DATE REF 18038RETAILED BY TIFFANY & Co.: A RARE YELLOW GOLD AUTOMATIC CENTER SECONDS WRISTWATCH WITH DAY DATE AND BRACELET CIRCA 1979

Dial: champagne Caliber: cal. 3055 automatic movement, 27 jewels Movement number: 0325811 Case: 18k yellow gold, screw down case back Case number: 6219047, inside case back numbered 18000 Closure: 18k yellow gold Rolex President bracelet with folding clasp, end links stamped 55 Dimensions: 36 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180 mm Signed: case, dial and movement, bracelet with hand etched retailer mark Accessories: facsimiles of five photographs

Gifted to President Ford in 1980, Thence by descent

Case: The case is in good overall condition, and in our view, has been very lightly polished in its past. There are scuffs and minor surface scratches visible on the case from wear. There is a small nick between the 8 and 9 o'clock positions. The bracelet is extremely stretched from wear, with surface scratches visible throughout. There are inventory numbers etched into the end link of the bracelet a 6 o'clock. Dial: The dial is in good overall condition. The lume plot at 2 o'clock is no longer present. The Tiffany & Co signature is intact. There is some light staining on the dial visible underneath the luminous plots. In our view, the hour markers and hands have been relumed. Movement: The movement is in good overall condition. The movement is running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
"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."

The Rolex Day-Date model fitted with the present bracelet variation is commonly referred to as the 'President'. The first United States President to wear this model was Lyndon B. Johnson, and it was subsequently worn by a number of influential politicians and business people.  Gerald Ford, 38th President of the United States, was the original owner of this watch. He served in the executive office from 1974-1977. The watch has remained in his family ever since, and Sotheby's is pleased to be offering it for the first time at public auction. Retailed by the quintessentially American Tiffany & Co., the piece represents a literal archetype- the namesake itself- and a rare chance to own a piece of such historical significance.