Rolex
*Unpolished* 1996 Rolex Day-Date (Ref. 18238) 18k YG Fossil Dial "Jurassic Park" W/ Box & Papers
On an extremely limited basis, Rolex manufactured timepieces featuring exotic materials. Such as dials made from various minerals, woods, and stone including; black onyx, burl wood, lapis lazuli, birch, fossil, coral, aventurine, and ferrite, among others… These exotic variants are always strikingly vivid with a minimalist design and each exotic variant was produced in very limited numbers. With rarity varying between materials, the more rare the material was, the less Rolex produced.
In 1988 Rolex released the cal. 3155 also known as the double "quick-set" which allows the quick setting of the day and date complications by rotating clockwise/counterclockwise while in position 2 making the setting of the watch quick and easy.
Good examples of these exotic Rolex Day-Date references have become exponentially harder to find because of a cult following surrounding them, and a lack of circulation due to the coveted value each unique dial retains. In other words, collectors love these watches and rarely sell them, so when they come up for sale it’s always special.
The fossil dial Day-Date, otherwise known as the “Jurassic Park”, is widely regarded as one of the most limited exotic dials for the Day-Date Rolex ever produced. This rarely seen dial variant is comprised of actual fossilized organic material and is set with diamonds for each hour marker to create one of the most unique and attractive dial compositions seen in watchmaking. This stunning example not only has a pretty face though, its 18k yellow gold case also remains completely unpolished and the watch comes with all of its original accessories.
| Stock # |
RLXDD18238JP |
|
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Day-Date | |
| Model | 18238 | |
| Serial | T6XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | 18K Yellow Gold | |
| Dial | Fossil Dial "Jurassic Park" | |
| Millimeters | 36 | |
| Strap | Rolex President 18k YG |
CASE & BRACELET
The unpolished 18k yellow gold case retains very strong factory finishing both on top of the lugs and underneath the lugs, with gentle signs of use. The 18k yellow gold fluted bezel remains factory sharp just like the case. The original sapphire crystal is clean showing no blemishes or scratches. The unpolished case back retains its original green Rolex case back sticker. The original Rolex 18k yellow gold President bracelet with 55 B end pieces remains unpolished with its factory finishing intact throughout, and retains 23 links that show little to no stretch.
DIAL & HANDS
The fossil dial aka the "Jurassic Park" dial is absolutely immaculate, showing no imperfections whatsoever. The grain of the fossil is very even and consistent, providing an extremely exotic and organic appearance. The diamond markers remain original and have been inspected with U.V. light for clarity. The original solid gold hands remain in untouched condition just like the rest of the watch.
ACCESSORIES
The watch comes complete with its original inner and outer boxes, guarantee papers, serialized Masters Book, operating pamphlet, and Oyster booklet. The watch is keeping time and functioning perfectly, previous service history is unknown.