This isn't your everyday-Date.
This is reference 18296, produced in 1997 and built for the kind of wrist that doesn’t do half-measures. The 18296 is one of the rarer Day-Date references, produced in limited numbers during the 90s, making it a sought-after piece.
Platinum & Diamonds
Crafted in solid platinum, the most prestigious and exclusive metal in Rolex’s catalog, this watch already plays in a different league. Platinum has always been used sparingly by Rolex, and typically reserved for their most special configurations.
The real showstopper is the factory pavé dial, fully set with extra-large brilliant-cut diamonds. No hour markers. Just an unbroken sea of stones that light up the wrist like a disco ball at high noon. Telling the time? Not really the point.
The bezel here is smooth platinum, which is a refined counterpoint to the maximalism of the dial. The lugs, however, are factory-set with diamonds, framing the case with a subtle shimmer. The effect is perfectly balanced.
Condition
This watch has been worn, and it shows here and there. There are honest signs of wear and tear, as you'd expect from a nearly three-decade-old platinum piece. More importantly, the platinum Oyster case has well-preserved edges and no signs of over polishing. Also the bezel remains thick and robust. The diamond-set lugs are intact, and the original President bracelet in platinum shows minimal stretch.
Inside ticks the Caliber 3155, the dependable workhorse of '90s Day-Dates, complete with the double quickset function, making both the day and date easily adjustable.
Collectors Gallery has always gravitated toward Day-Dates, and even more so when they are executed as special as this one.
- year1997
- reference18296
- modelDay-Date
