A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day Date model, often referred to as the "President", in solid platinum with factory set diamond lugs and bezel. This is very rare and essentially one of the most expensive Rolex watches in the line when made back in 2000. Not only is this watch unusual in Platinum, but the additional options of having the lugs and bezel diamond set add to the rarity and expense. Include the dial, with both the princess cut and baguette cut diamonds, and this is essentially one of the most expensive factory Day Date models to leave Rolex, not being a custom piece. This watch listed over $70,000 when new, and was not an easy model to find.
Although it would be wrong to describe this watch as subtle, the use of a white metal does make the watch a little more low key. One of the only ways to really know this watch is platinum and not white gold is the weight. Platinum is a lot more dense of a metal, and on average weighs approximately eleven percent more than its gold counterpart. This may not sound a lot, but the watch with bracelet in solid gold alone is quite noticeable to the wearer!
Arguably, the Rolex Day Date is the ultimate status symbol. It was always portrayed to the public this way by the media team at Rolex, and it was always marketed to world leaders, titans of industry and sports and movie stars around the globe. Although much has changed with regards to Rolex's offering today, including special variations that are available, it was always the "President" that led the way in rare, unusual and gem set variants. Only recently a very rare custom white gold example made in 1984 sold for over $1.3 million dollars in auction. This stunning example is very an example of the very best of the Day Date.
The Day Date was first introduced into the Rolex line up under the reference 6511 in 1956, and a year later was re-modeled as the 6611 and featured the Rolex calibre 1055 movement. This model ran until 1959 when the 1803 reference was introduced with a new movement again. This time the 1555 calibre. The 1803 model with this calibre only ran until 1965 until, once again, it was updated. This time Rolex fitted the 1556 calibre. The next reference upgrade was to the 18030. There was very little change aesthetically to the watch over the years aside from hand changes and moving away from the pie pan style dial. The double quick set movement introduced in 1988 was perhaps the most important change, making the watch a lot more practical to use.
By the time the watch reached the late 1990's reference numbers changed, with this example being branded as the 118296. This reference often came without the bezel being diamond set too, but it was available as an additional extra. That option was taken in this example.
This example is in excellent original condition. The case appears to be unpolished. There are signs of wear, but nothing substantial and all original lines appear strong, as do the case feet. When looking at the back of the watch, it appears to confirm that no polishing has occurred. The edges are sharp, feet again strong, and all the relevant hallmarks with no signs at all of brushing or wear. The original Rolex President bracelet is fully signed on the deployant with all the correct marks and the PT 950 platinum marks, and numbers on the inside of the end links. The bracelet is a little short, as it has been sized for a smaller wrist. If this is being bought for a larger wrist additional links will be needed. We can assist with this.
The dial is untouched, and shows no sign of wear or damage. It has a slightly blue hue to it, which is the other tell tale sign that it is fitted to the platinum model. As Rolex had moved away from Tritium by this point to Superluminova, the dial is marked "Swiss Made". However, this is a no lume dial and hand set, as is the case with all diamond set dials from this time, and is original to the watch. The serial number of this watch is P19XXXX which dates it to circa 2000. All serial and case reference numbers are clear and present between the lugs. This is an exceptional watch, rare today and one that still looks as relevant and exciting as anything in the current line up twenty two years on. Demand for models such as these is sky rocketing at the moment, and shows no signs of slowing.
