Rolex Day-Date 18168 'Ruby'

Exceptionally scrace reference of a Day-Date with baguettes, but even more uncommon is the type of stone used to adorn this bezel.

"Performing the art of self expression" is what an 80's advertisement of Petochi & Gorevic reads. This international jewellery house and authorised Rolex retailer, know for its royal clientele and lavish products, artistically pictured a lady embellished in rubies and diamonds. In her hand she is holding 2 gem-matching Rolex watches: a lady Datejust and a 18168. Perhaps, or even probably, you have never heard of this reference. It distinguishes itself from the "run-of-the-mill" Day-Dates by its baguette bezel. Usually seen with diamonds, occasionally with sapphires, but only very rarely with rubies. In fact, apart from the one we have here, the only other publicly know example is displayed in the previously mentioned ad.

But how the hell does one match a dial with such a magnificent bezel you ask? A classic champagne dial, with a factory-set string of brilliant-cut diamonds next to the minute track, together with matching rubies on the hour positions. Of course it is only right that the day and date discs feature a matching red background; which is very rare. If all that weren’t enough, the gemstone theme is carried through on the ultra-sumptuous President Karat bracelet. (diamond set center links)

This superlative reference remains in great shape. The thick case and strong condition of the bracelet shows the previous owner took great care of it. In this case; it came from mister Davide Parmegiani. The only remark would be that there are minor oil drops on the dial, barely visible with the naked eye. This spectacular specimen from the dates back to the 1985 crown-collection.