Introduction
A legendary timepiece with an unrivaled history, the Rolex Day-Date has earned its place as "The Ultimate Watch of Prestige" from its decades on the wrists of the world's most influential people. Released in 1956, the Day-Date quickly became synonymous with luxury, prestige, and exclusivity thanks to being the watch of choice for the world's athletes, visionaries, and world leaders alike. Only ever constructed of precious metals, the Day-Date's aesthetic is that of sheer elegance and grace. Aside from the beautiful array of dial options that have been available over the decades, the Day-Date's most iconic piece of design is its three-piece "Presidential" or "President" bracelet. Forming the bedrock of its design, the Presidential bracelet has become synonymous with Rolex's flagship collection and their desire to create the very best and most iconic watches that the world has ever seen. With its timeless design and inescapable impact on horology, the Day-Date stands as a vivid reminder of just how successful they have been in realizing that very mission.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Double Boxes, Hang Tag, Guarantee Certificate, Rolex Service Guarantee
Est. value range
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Day-Date
Movement
Automatic cal. 3055
Reference
18038
Bracelet
18kt yellow gold Presidential bracelet
Year
1979
Condition
Near mint
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch, Double Boxes, Hang Tag, Guarantee Certificate, Rolex Service Guarantee
Dial Color
Champagne
THE DIAL
Featuring a stunning stick-index champagne dial in excellent condition, this example sports gently aged 18kt yellow gold indices and perfectly preserved luminous dots and matching hands.
THE CONSTRUCTION
This ref. 18038's 18kt yellow gold construction is entirely classical in its design with the Day-Date's traditional 36mm case, iconic Presidential bracelet and wonderful fluted bezel.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
The watch is in overall near-mint condition. The yellow gold case and bracelet present as near mint, following a recent full service and case refinish by Rolex. The champagne dial is excellent, with some light oxidation visible on some of the hour markers. The hands are very clean. The yellow gold bracelet has moderate play between the links. The bracelet has 23 links, 4 of which are removable, and fits an approximately 7 1/4” wrist. The watch comes complete with its inner and outer boxes, punched papers, hangtags, a recent Rolex service card (2024), and a service box.
Our Perspective
We love this 18038 for its vintage looks, and also appreciate its refinements over its predecessor, the 1803. With a similarly classic look but updated sapphire crystal and single-quickset movement, it is definitely much easier to set the time and enjoy.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
