ROLEX | REFERENCE 18946 DAY-DATE MASTERPIECE A PLATINUM AND DIAMOND-SET AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH DAY, DATE AND MOTHER OF PEARL DIAL, CIRCA 2000

When Rolex launched the Day-Date in 1956, it struck a striking contrast to the brands other offerings all of which had been launched at a similar time. The Submariner, the GMT and Milgauss were all ‘tool’ watches, designed for specific vocations or professions. The Day Date on the other hand was specifically marketed as a luxury timepiece, with a number of non-utilitarian, purely extravagant features such as the President bracelet. The design and luxury ethos of the Day-Date remains to this day, and whilst it is still possible to purchase new a Day-Day almost identical to that first one, the current lot is the culmination of the luxurious features of the model. The case and bracelet are cast from pure platinum, and in addition, the Mother of Pearl dial is decorated with diamond hour markers, and well as a diamond set bezel, all originating from the Rolex factory. Whilst this is the ultimate expression of the luxury Day-Date, it is a subtle and elegant execution of one of Rolex’s most loved and longest running designs.