Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18048 - 'Black Diamond'
When the Day-Date was released in 1956, it was the only complicated Rolex for sale. Hard to believe, but people didn’t want Rolex’s previous attempts at complicated wristwatches. All of that changed when President Dwight D. Eisenhower was spotted wearing the Rolex, and the watch became known as ‘The President’. An internationally known symbol of success and prestige, the Rolex Day-Date was available for many years on a strap or matching solid gold bracelet.
However, this is no ordinary ‘Day-Date’...
This present example is even more special by the presence of a special reference: The 18048. The dial features diamond indices with larger baguette cut sapphires at 6 and 9 - just to add more complication to it. The dial itself is a deep, rich black gloss with perfect cream colored lume plots next to each brilliant diamond. The bezel has been replaced by one made in - you guessed it - diamonds, and all typeface and logos are done in yellow gold to match the case.
Beyond the dial, this 18048 is fitted to the iconic yellow gold Presidential bracelet, making this piece a stunner with quick-set date to boot. The condition is truly exceptional throughout, and the diamonds that Rolex chooses to use for its watches are of the highest quality and play off beautifully against the oxidation of the yellow gold brilliantly. The concealed clasp Presidential has almost zero signs of stretch, and the case is well preserved to and is truly one of the best we have ever seen on a Day-Date model from this era - which would also explain the exceptional condition of the dial, bezel, and handset.
We have been fortunate to have quite a few special Rolex models here at Oliver & Clarke, but this among our favorites for its sheer expression of mastery that Rolex has put on full display.
Condition Report & Details
Condition:
Movement:
Bracelet/Strap:
Shipping, Returns, & Warranty
Every Oliver & Clarke timepiece comes with a one-year mechanical warranty starting from the date of delivery. We ensure all watches are in wonderful working condition and are ready for daily wear. Many have been fully serviced by our team of watchmakers.
Please note:
- Due to the vintage or antique nature of many of our watches, they may not keep time as accurately as when new, nor as precisely as quartz or electronic devices.
- We do not guarantee water resistance and do not warranty against moisture or water damage. Deliberate exposure to water or steam is not recommended.
Warranty Exclusions:
- Internal or external damage caused by accidents, mishandling, abuse, modifications, or services performed by anyone other than our authorized personnel.
- Our warranty is non-transferable.
The Oliver & Clarke Guarantee
At Oliver & Clarke, we meticulously vet each watch to ensure its authenticity and quality. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and our mission is to help you find the perfect timepiece. If you have any questions, we are here to assist you promptly.
Our Guarantee:
- Each timepiece is thoroughly evaluated, authenticated, and approved by our expert team before it is offered for sale.
- We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise stated.
- The authenticity of each watch is guaranteed in perpetuity.
Choose options
"As collectors themselves, Oliver and Clarke are on a mission to make buying vintage watches as painless as possible."
"The company focuses on good prices for its pieces, elite customer service and full transparency."
"The appointment-only space is inviting, with comfortable seating areas and exposed brick walls."
From Rolex & Patek Philippe, to Cartier & Audemars Piguet. As collectors first, we love the small details that separate the Submariner from Daytona and Calatrava from Royal Oak. This is why you'll find our curated assortment spans decades of generations of models and brands. We believe that watches don't just tell time, they tell history - and life is too short to wear a boring watch.
Oliver & Clarke