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. With its timeless style and inescapable impact on horology, the Day-Date stands as a vivid reminder of just how successful Rolex has been in realizing that very mission. This particular example features a coral dial. In the pantheon of Day-Date dial types, the coral dial stands alone as the king of the stone dials.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$20,000 – $30,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Day-Date
Movement
Automatic cal. 3055
Reference
18038
Bracelet
18kt yellow gold Presidential bracelet
Year
1978
Condition
Good
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Orange (Coral)
THE DIAL
Easily the coral Day-Date's most striking feature is its stunning orange coral stone dial. One of the hardest Rolex stone dials to find, it has a gorgeous fiery color and unique veining that is shared with no other coral dial, thanks to it being a natural stone.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Boasting the Day-Date's iconic 36mm 18kt yellow gold construction, this ref. 18038 combines a Presidential bracelet alongside its fluted bezel to go with its exceptionally colorful orange coral dial.
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
Watch is in good overall condition. Case shows signs wear, with the fluted bezel exhibiting soft ridges due to polish. The dial is in good overall condition. It exhibits some loss of text on the surface, notably in the words OYSTER and DAY. There are multiple cracks and fissures on the dial, as seen in the images. Bracelet has 19 links total, with light stretch.
Our Perspective
Nicknamed the "Gulda" after Austrian pianist Friederich Gulda who was often spotted wearing his coral Day-Date, this is a legendary and exceptionally rare watch that Rolex collectors dream of getting the chance to own. Although imperfect, this example represents a great opportunity to own the king of the hard stone Day-Dates at a reasonable price.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
