Rolex Day-Date 18068 'Ruby Pave'

There are many sub-references of specific bejewelled executions amongst the 5 digit Day-Date's, the elusive 18068 has to be one of our favourites.

When does a watch deserve the moniker "elusive" you ask? Well, after extensive research, we were able to track down merely 7 examples of this rare bird; 5 of which have been publicly sold on auction. This particular timepiece realised an auction result of over half a million euro (close to the high-estimate) when it hammered at Christie's in 2022. What makes it so exceptionally valuable and coveted?

The use of gemstones isn't necessarily an oddity in the Rolex line-up. Especially during the 80's many Day-Dates rolled out of the factory with some bling. But there are levels to it, and the "Crown Collection" is about as glamorous as it gets. The Ruby-set bezel is decisive for it to be an 18068. It features 44 square cut Rubies. Only very few Rolex models ever saw the light of day with this intriguing stone embellishing the bezel.

It doesn't stop there with the red corundums as the hour-markers have brilliant cut ones, and baguette shaped for the 6 and 9 o'clock position. A perfect balance with the day and date, which for this special execution, are carried out in a matching tone. The dial itself is intricately set in a pavé-style. To increase visibility for reading the time -against this flashy background- a black handset is mounted. The Rolex brandname and coronet are added on the inside of the sapphire crystal.

The bracelet is a no-nonsense President, with a date stamp corresponding to the production period of the watch: 1983. The historical retail value of this exact configuration was more than quintuple a "regular Day-Date" as it was one of the costliest offerings at a humongous price tag of 50.350 USD. No wonder the watch has been carefully enjoyed by the previous owner. The appeal of rare examples, combined with ostentatious aesthetics, aren't for the novice collectors; but unquestionably charms some of the most esteemed aficionados in the Day-Date space.