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Introduced in 1956, the Rolex Day-Date celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. The first waterproof, self-winding chronometer wristwatch to display both the date and the day of the week written in full, it quickly established itself as one of the most prestigious creations in Swiss watchmaking.
Produced exclusively in precious metals, the Day-Date became a symbol of achievement, influence and understated luxury. Its association with prominent political figures, including US President Lyndon B. Johnson, helped establish its enduring nickname: “The President's Watch.”
Beyond its distinguished history, however, the Day-Date has also served as a canvas for some of Rolex's most imaginative creations. From classic champagne dials to vibrant natural stones, elaborate diamond settings and unusual decorative finishes, few Rolex collections offer such remarkable diversity.
For our forthcoming Fine Watches auction on 2 December 2026, Adam's is delighted to present three distinctive examples, each illustrating a different facet of this celebrated model.
Perhaps the most captivating of the three, this exceptional Day-Date reference 18348 combines an 18-carat yellow gold case and diamond-set bezel with a striking lapis lazuli “Pyramid” dial.
The geometric texture of the deep blue dial creates a remarkable play of light, while the diamond hour markers, set within individual circular gold surrounds in the distinctive “Pinball” style, add another layer of refinement.
Completed by its iconic President bracelet, this remarkable example illustrates the creativity and extravagance of Rolex's dial designs during the late twentieth century.
A striking contrast to the exuberance of the lapis lazuli example, the Day-Date II reference 218206 offers a more contemporary interpretation of the collection.
Crafted entirely in platinum, its substantial 41mm case is complemented by Rolex's celebrated ice-blue dial, a color traditionally reserved for the brand's platinum watches.
Featuring elegant Roman numerals, this example combines the unmistakable presence of the Day-Date II with the discreet sophistication of one of watchmaking's most prestigious metals.
The reference 18238 represents the enduring appeal of the traditional Day-Date.
Crafted in 18-carat yellow gold and fitted with its iconic President bracelet, its classic 36mm proportions capture the elegance that has defined the collection for seven decades.
Powered by Rolex's calibre 3155, featuring the convenient double quickset calendar mechanism, the reference 18238 remains one of the most recognisable expressions of the Day-Date.
A Changing Collectors' Market
For decades, the Day-Date was primarily appreciated as a symbol of status and success. Today, collectors are increasingly looking beyond its traditional image, paying particular attention to unusual dial configurations, decorative techniques and the extraordinary variety of materials used by Rolex over the years.
Stone dials, in particular, have attracted renewed interest, transforming what was once considered an extravagant expression of luxury into a fascinating field of collecting. Each natural stone possesses its own distinctive color and character, making every dial visually unique.
It is perhaps this ability to appeal to successive generations, each with its own tastes and preferences, that best explains the Day-Date's enduring place in the world of watch collecting.
Adam's Fine Watches auction will take place on 2 December 2026.
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John ffrench was an instrumental figure in the design industry in Ireland and a distinguished pioneer of Irish studio pottery.
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"I should declare my hand. I have a weakness for pictures that punch above their physical weight, and for artists who have been quietly underrated for too long. This pair is both. They are intimate enough to live with at close quarters and serious enough to repay any amount of looking. If the market has lately shown signs of catching up with eighteenth-century Irish painting and I think it has, these two small panels feel, to me, like exactly the sort of thing that will look obvious in twenty years’ time."
Adam’s is honoured to present works from the collection of Lord Rossmore in the upcoming Country House Collections auction at Howth Castle on 28th April. It is seldom that an influential Irish family collection that has survived through the generations comes to the open market.
Works Sold at Adam’s Now in the Irish National Collection
A great opportunity to purchase both established and lesser-known artist’s work at an accessible price point, the Online Picture Auction is the first of many sales to be hosted at Adam’s in 2026. It is perfect for those looking to start a collection and the discerning collector alike.
Through this article, let our expert Adam Pearson guiding you to the (re)discovery of the once established Irish painter Richard O’Neill.
Buying at Auction and the Role of Antiques in a Modern Home
Important Irish Art Auction Highlights
Oliver Dowling Collection by Aidan Dunne
James Adam & Sons Ltd, Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers, 26 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2,
D02 X665, Ireland
