Robb Report : 5 Gem-Set Rolex
Allen Farmelo and Blake Buettner recently wrote for Robb Report ‘Shopping Time: 5 Gem-Set Rolex Daytonas and Day-Dates You Can Buy Before the Holidays.
The Day-Date reference 18078 is an icon that bridged the famous Rolex collection from its past to its future. Like the Daytona above, this reference was offered in a diverse range of dial configurations, including some rather unusual gem set designs. While some take a maximalist approach, others exercise some restraint, defining shapes like hour markers and index rings with complimentary tones. Some even carry this through into interesting textures on the bracelet, which is the case here. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Day-Date as a platform has proven quite adept at working well in a wide range of materials, textures, and finishes.
This particular reference 18078 is on offer by Wind Vintage, and brings us a unique design that boasts a bark bezel texture that’s mirrored in the center link of the bracelet. It’s unexpected, but it works. The yellow dial matches the yellow gold case and bracelet, and the dial also gets an arrangement of diamonds set around the chapter ring, with longer baguette cut diamonds in dark blue at each hour. This example dates to 1983, which is early into the five-digit reference cycle. The case appears to be unpolished, but does show signs of age around the crown. Overall this is a beautiful example of one of the more interesting takes on the Day-Date to be produced by Rolex.