ROLEX | DAY-DATE OCTOPUSSY, REFERENCE 18048 A YELLOW GOLD, DIAMOND AND RUBY-SET WRISTWATCH WITH DAY, DATE AND BRACELET, CIRCA 1978

Dial: gilt Calibre: cal. 3055 automatic, 27 jewels Movement number: 0'114'160 Case: 18k yellow gold, screw down case back Case number: 5’572’871 Closure: 18k yellow gold diamond and ruby-set Rolex President bracelet and folding clasp Size: 36 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180 mm Signed: case, dial and movement

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The date and day functions are working properly. This watch is in outstanding, close to new condition. The dial is in excellent overall condition, there is a minor oxidation mark under the bezel and to the right of 12 o'clock and another one between 3 and 5 o'clock, however this is very difficult to see. The case with all original finishes. The bracelet is very tight and the opening is very stiff, indicating that the watch has not been opened much before. The case back still retains with its original green factory sticker. Overall the watch is an exceptional example in close to new condition. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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 present watch is an example of the yellow gold Day-Date manufactured in 1978. Due to its diamond and ruby-set President bracelet design, it gained the nickname “Octopussy”. Every single link is adorned with round cut diamonds placed on both sides of the centrally set baguette cut rubies. The bezel is also set with baguette-cut rubies. This Octopussy is in an extremely good state of preservation and appears not to have been used. The case and bracelet are extremely crisp and the case back retains its original sticker and the original sale tags are still present.

The quality of the present watch illustrates just how beautiful an 'Octopussy' can be.