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1999 Rolex Day-Date 18208 - 18K Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl Guilloche Roman Dial

Details
The Art Of The Rolex Dial
The Day-Date has always been Rolex's platform for its most ambitious and artistic dials. This example from 1999 is a product of that tradition, executed at a very high level. It was produced for the client who wanted the definitive statement of the solid gold President, but who also sought a dial with genuine craft. The surface isn't merely a slice of iridescent mother-of-pearl, but one that has been painstakingly finished with a guilloche pattern. This combination of a natural material with precise, traditional engraving creates a texture that's both complex and subtle. It represents a tier of Rolex production where the watch becomes a canvas for decorative art.
Factory Guilloche On Mother Of Pearl
This Day-Date is defined by its rare and specific dial configuration. While mother-of-pearl dials are themselves uncommon, the addition of a Guilloche finish elevates this piece considerably. The intricate engraving interacts with the natural shimmer of the pearl, creating a dynamic popping effect for the gold applied roman numeral hour markers. This is paired with the classic 36mm Day-Date case in 18K yellow gold and the iconic President bracelet. The bracelet's three-piece, semi-circular links create a seamless flow of solid gold around the wrist.
Original Crown And Intact Hallmarks
The solid 18K yellow gold case is in very good condition, showing sharp lines and the correct factory finishes. The mother-of-pearl Guilloche dial is flawless, with its printed Roman numerals perfectly intact. The President bracelet is tight, showing minimal stretch for its age. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear.
Beyond The Standard Catalog
A watch like this is chosen for its details. It delivers the full experience of the top-tier Rolex, from the weight of the solid gold to the prestige of the President bracelet. Yet the dial makes it a more personal choice, one that rewards close inspection. The interplay between the organic patterns of the pearl and the geometric precision of the guilloche is something meant for the owner's appreciation. It's a watch that operates on a different level than the standard Day-Date, signaling a knowledge of and appreciation for the less-common, more artistic side of Rolex's history.
Key Specs
Reference: 18208
Model: Day-Date
Year: 1999
Movement: Automatic
Case Size: 36mm (Excluding Crown)
Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold, Smooth
Bracelet: 18K Yellow Gold President
Bracelet Length: Fits up to a 7-inch wrist
Dial: Mother of Pearl Guilloche with Applied Roman Numerals
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold
Weight: 140g
SKU: 1762
Fit & Customization
We want your watch to fit the day it arrives, so its next chapter starts the moment you put it on, and that's why we offer:
  • Any two-piece strap swapped out and customized in the material, color, and length you want
  • Links added or removed on a metal bracelet
  • Integrated bracelets resized, which few dealers will take on
Contact us about the listing or your order and we'll take it from there.