THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 19018
YEAR: 1986
CASE DIAMETER: 36MM
CASE MATERIAL: 18K YELLOW GOLD
BRACELET MATERIAL: 18K YELLOW GOLD
MOVEMENT: QUARTZ

The Oysterquartz Day-Date was first introduced in 1977, as Rolex’s response to the quartz crisis, along with other top Swiss watch manufacturers. Although it remained in the Rolex line-up until around 2003, it was produced in significantly lower numbers than its automatic counterparts, partly due to the fact that it actually cost more new (£7,575 in 1986)... 

The present example, dating back to 1986, has had a very easy life. The champagne dial is flawless, with matching date and day wheels and beautifully aged creamy tritium lume plots. The case remains in near-perfect condition too, with no perceivable stretch on the bracelet.