A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date model, often referred to as the “President”, in solid platinum with a factory-set diamond dial, bezel, and centre-link bracelet.

This is exceptionally rare, and one of the most expensive Rolex watches in the line when made in 2000. Not only is this watch unusual in platinum, but the additional options of the diamond-set centre links and bezel add to both the rarity and the expense. Add the dial, with full pavé-set diamonds, and this is one of the most expensive factory Day-Date models to leave Rolex. According to the 1999–2000 catalogue, this was not a standard catalogue piece. It was a made-to-order watch. To add this dial alone was over $95,000 when new, and it was never an easy model to find.

Although it would be wrong to describe this watch as subtle, the use of a white metal does make it a little more low key. One of the only ways to really know this watch is platinum and not white gold is the weight. Platinum is a denser metal and, on average, weighs approximately eleven percent more than its gold counterpart. This may not sound like a lot, but a solid-gold watch with bracelet is already quite noticeable to the wearer.

Arguably, the Rolex Day-Date is the ultimate status symbol. It was portrayed that way by Rolex, and marketed to world leaders, titans of industry, and sports and movie stars around the globe. Although much has changed in Rolex’s offerings today, including special variations that are available, it was always the “President” that led the way in rare, unusual, and gem-set variants. Only recently, a very rare custom white gold example made in 1984 sold for over $1.3 million at auction. This example is very much a statement of the Day-Date at its most extravagant.

The Day-Date was first introduced into the Rolex line-up under reference 6511 in 1956, and a year later was remodelled as the 6611, featuring the Rolex calibre 1055. This model ran until 1959, when the 1803 reference was introduced with a new movement, this time the 1555 calibre. The 1803 model with this calibre ran until 1965, when it was updated again, this time with the 1556 calibre. The next reference upgrade was to the 18030. There was very little aesthetic change over the years aside from hand changes and moving away from the pie-pan style dial. The double quickset movement introduced in 1988 was perhaps the most important change, making the watch far more practical to use.

By the late 1990s the reference numbers had changed, with this example branded as the 118346. This watch essentially has almost every option offered, aside from the lugs. In an age where the Day-Date is now gaining recognition as Rolex’s flagship luxury model, these very rare “unicorn” examples are gaining immense traction on the global market, and prices are soaring. Buying a model like this today from Rolex is a pursuit that only the largest of their global clients can entertain, therefore examples like this are highly sought after.

This example is in excellent original condition. The case appears to be unpolished. There are signs of wear, but nothing substantial, and all original lines appear strong, as do the lugs. Looking at the back of the watch, it appears to confirm that no polishing has occurred. The edges are sharp, the lugs are strong, and the relevant hallmarks show no signs of brushing or wear.

The original Rolex President bracelet is fully signed on the deployant, with all correct marks, including the PT950 platinum marks and the numbers on the inside of the end links. The bracelet is long and fits over a 7.25-inch wrist comfortably. Links can be removed if needed. The serial number of this watch is P194,XXX, dating it to circa 2000. All serial and case reference numbers are clear and present between the lugs.

This is an exceptional watch, rare today, and one that still looks as relevant and exciting as anything in the current line-up twenty-two years on. Demand for models such as these is skyrocketing and shows no signs of slowing. This appears to be the only version of this watch currently for sale in the world.

There are no papers or Rolex box with this watch. It comes with a one-year Foundwell warranty.