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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Reference 18956 BR

Partially verified

This Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date, reference 18956 BR, is a self-winding gentleman's wristwatch crafted in platinum. Introduced in 2000, this reference was produced in limited numbers and features an extensive use of diamonds, totaling 113 stones weighing over 11 carats. The 39 mm tonneau-shaped case includes a bezel set with 42 trapezoidal diamonds and is paired with a matching platinum bracelet set with 71 baguette-shaped diamonds. The watch is powered by the caliber 3155 movement, which is adjusted to five positions and temperature. It includes complications for the day of the week, displayed in an aperture at the 12 o'clock position, and the date of the month, viewed through a Cyclops lens at 3 o'clock. The pavé-set dial features blue enamel radial Roman numerals. The piece is signed on the dial, case, and movement.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Ref. 18956 BR, shown with its accompanying tags.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Ref. 18956 BR, shown with its accompanying tags. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
18956 BR
Catalogue / lot identifier
203
Source-reported date
circa 2001-2002
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
K 568 393

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

Case and Bracelet Construction

The watch features a tonneau-shaped case manufactured from platinum. This specific reference is characterized by an extensive integration of precious stones, with the bezel alone set with 42 trapezoidal-cut diamonds. The water-resistant case incorporates a screwed case-back design, consistent with the Oyster Perpetual line. The timepiece is fitted with a specialized platinum bracelet that integrates further diamond decoration into the inter-lugs.

The bracelet is constructed with individual links and includes a deployant clasp. It is set with 71 baguette-shaped diamonds, complementing the heavy platinum construction of the case. In total, the timepiece features 113 diamonds, representing a production focus on high-value materials. The total weight of these stones is documented as being just over 11 carats.

Evidence for this section
  • “tonneau-shaped, gentleman’s wristwatch, water-resistant with screwed case-back”
  • “Bezel set with 42 trapezoidal diamonds.”
  • “Bracelet set with 71 baguette-shaped diamonds.”
  • “The very heavy platinum case and bracelet is set with 113 diamonds totalising just over 11 carats.”

Dial and Complications

The dial is entirely pavé-set, creating a uniform surface of diamonds. It features radial Roman numerals applied in blue enamel, providing contrast against the pavé-set background. The watch functions as a Day-Date model, featuring two distinct horological complications: a day of the week indicator presented in an aperture at 12 o'clock, and a date of the month window at 3 o'clock.

To enhance visibility, the date window at 3 o'clock is positioned under a signature Cyclops magnifying lens integrated into the sapphire crystal. The day indicator is presented in English. The hour, minute, and center-seconds hands are original to the piece, maintaining the integrity of the watch as manufactured in the early 2000s.

Evidence for this section
  • “pavé-set dial with blue enamel radial Roman numerals”
  • “Date of the month (aperture at 3 o’clock, under Cyclops lens)”
  • “Day of the week (aperture at 12 o’clock; indications given in English)”

Movement and Certification

The watch houses the Rolex caliber 3155 self-winding movement. This caliber is a standard movement for the Day-Date line during this production period, capable of driving the day and date change mechanisms. The movement is officially certified as a Superlative Chronometer and has been adjusted to five positions and temperature to ensure chronometric performance.

The auction description reports the movement number as 39 291 228. The movement is signed, consistent with the dial and the case markings.

Evidence for this section
  • “Caliber 3155, adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions”
  • “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified”
  • “Movement: 2”

Open research questions

  • Are there any documented variations in the blue enamel used for the Roman numerals across the production run?
  • What are the specific metallurgical requirements for the platinum alloy used in this reference for the bracelet link flexibility?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Reference 18956 BR
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“Rolex, Geneva”
Reference18956 BR“Reference 18956 BR”
Serial NumberK 568 393“Case No. K 568 393”
Movement Number39 291 228“Movement No. 39 291 228”
Movement Caliber3155“Caliber 3155”
Case Diameter39 mm“Diameter 39 mm.”
Diamond Count113 diamonds“set with 113 diamonds totalising just over 11 carats.”

Visible details

  • Pavé-set dial with blue enamel Roman numerals
  • 42 trapezoidal diamonds on the bezel
  • 71 baguette-shaped diamonds on the bracelet
  • Date display under a cyclops lens

Research qualifications

  • The exact number of units produced is not specified beyond being very small.
  • Retail price information provided in source is truncated.

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

Consulted source

Rolex - Ref. 18956 BR, self-winding, centre-seconds, date, day, pavé-set dial, diamond-set bezel and diamond-set inter-lugs bracelet; “Day-Date”; platinum and diamonds

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 5d491242ee

Terms in this record

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

Other day-date wristwatch records