Can you imagine it took the German AD about four years to sell this eye-catching Rolex Day-Date? We can, because the original invoice shows us the selling price of 77.000,- DM (Deutsche Mark) which translates to about 40.000,- euros at the time and well over 70.000,- euros in today's money.

The iconic 36 mm 18k yellow gold case comes with a special reference number, 18388, with the first ‘3’ indicating that the case lugs are factory-set with diamonds and the first ‘8’ referring to the factory-set diamond bezel. As the 18388 is a sub-reference of the 182xx-series Day-Dates, it houses the caliber 3155 automatic movement with a double-quickset function. This allows you to independently adjust the day, date, and time. Besides the lugs and bezel, the charming dial is pavé factory-set with diamonds and blue sapphires as indices. The words 'Rolex' and 'Day-Date' are stamped on a cartouche in the middle of the pavé setting. The time is shown by the original no-lume hands, that is made extra legible by the black lacquer line right in the middle. While the Day-Date is most often seen on a President bracelet, this example is fitted on a Jubilee bracelet where the three centre links are also factory diamond-set, this matches the bracelet code of 8486 perfectly. If you ever forget where this piece was first sold, don't forget to look at the German day disc.

The condition of this watch remain very strong, it has clearly been worn with great pride. The case is gorgeous with sharp lugs, the minor stretch on the Jubilee bracelet also shows this timepiece is preserved very well and the clasp coronet being very visible confirms the great condition this watch is in.

This flashy conversation started dates back to 1989 and comes with some interesting provenance. Besides the original Crown Collection box, the watch comes with the original invoice telling us the watch is sold in 1993. The most special thing this invoice reveals to us, is that it mentions the diamond-set dial confirming its configuration.