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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch

Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18048

Partially verified

This Rolex Day-Date reference 18048 is an 18k yellow gold wristwatch featuring a deep black gloss dial with diamond indices. The dial is characterized by circular diamond hour markers, with larger baguette-cut sapphires positioned at the 6 and 9 o'clock indices. Adjacent to each diamond index are cream-colored luminous plots. The watch is equipped with a diamond-set bezel and yellow gold hands and typeface. It is paired with an 18k yellow gold 'Presidential' bracelet featuring a concealed clasp. The movement provides a quick-set date function. The watch case and bracelet are constructed from yellow gold, with the auction description reporting that the bracelet shows minimal signs of stretch. The piece retains a magnifying cyclops lens over the date display at 3 o'clock, which is integrated into the crystal.

Front view of the Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18048 with black dial and diamond-set bezel.
Front view of the Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18048 with black dial and diamond-set bezel. — Oliver & Clarke. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
oliverandclarke.com
Category
Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
18048
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Dial and Bezel Configuration

The watch features a deep, black gloss dial. Hour markers consist of brilliant-cut diamonds, with the exception of the 6 and 9 o'clock positions, which utilize larger baguette-cut sapphires. Beside each diamond index are cream-colored luminous plots. The watch retains the Rolex branding and standard day and date display apertures.

The external bezel has been replaced with one set with diamonds. The logos and typeface on the dial are executed in yellow gold to complement the case material.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial features diamond indices with larger baguette cut sapphires at 6 and 9”
  • “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  • “The bezel has been replaced by one made in - you guessed it - diamonds”

Case and Bracelet

The case is crafted from yellow gold and maintains its original dimensions and contours.

According to the auction description, the case is in well-preserved condition for a model of this era. The bracelet is reported to show almost zero signs of stretch.

Evidence for this section
  • “fitted to the iconic yellow gold Presidential bracelet”
  • “The concealed clasp Presidential has almost zero signs of stretch, and the case is well preserved”

Condition and Movement

The watch movement features a quick-set date function, allowing for individual adjustment of the date without advancing the time. The overall condition is described as exceptional, with high-quality diamonds used throughout the piece.

The auction description notes that the handset, dial, and bezel are in exceptional condition, reflecting the preservation of the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “making this piece a stunner with quick-set date to boot.”
  • “The condition is truly exceptional throughout”
  • “exceptional condition of the dial, bezel, and handset.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production year range for the 18048 reference?
  • Does Rolex factory-produce this specific configuration of diamond bezel and sapphire-index dial for the 18048 reference?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18048
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dial featuresDiamond indices with baguette cut sapphires at 6 and 9“The dial features diamond indices with larger baguette cut sapphires at 6 and 9”
Bezel materialDiamonds“The bezel has been replaced by one made in - you guessed it - diamonds”
Bracelet typePresidential“fitted to the iconic yellow gold Presidential bracelet”
Clasp typeConcealed clasp“The concealed clasp Presidential has almost zero signs of stretch”
Quick-set featureQuick-set date“making this piece a stunner with quick-set date to boot”

Visible details

  • Baguette-cut sapphires at 6 and 9 o'clock
  • Diamond-set bezel
  • Concealed clasp on Presidential bracelet
  • Quick-set date window with cyclops lens

Research qualifications

  • The bezel is described as replaced
  • Origin of the diamond-set bezel is not specified as factory-original

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی طلا Rolex Day-Date رفرنس 18048 با صفحه مشکی الماس‌نشان

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record d5a1d286e1

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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