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Lot #1976

Rolex Day-Date 18038 Yellow Gold Tiger's Eye Dial

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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 8.5

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 President bracelet

Year

1978

Condition

Excellent

Material

18kt yellow gold

Included

Watch only

Dial Color

Tiger's Eye

THE DIAL

Undoubtedly the star of this ref. 18038's show is its incredible gemstone dial made of Tiger's Eye. With its golden brown veining and understated nature as a result of its lack of hour markers, it makes for the perfect accompaniment to the Day-Date luxurious aesthetic.

THE CONSTRUCTION

While its dial is certainly unusual, this ref. 18038's 18kt yellow gold construction is entirely classical in its design with its traditional 36mm case, 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

Watch is in excellent overall condition. Case has minor wear and scratches visible on the surface. Bezel retains sharp teeth without any dings on the edges. The Tiger's Eye Dial in near-mint condition. There are no visible cracks on the dial. (The line that can be seen in the images coming from the 9'oclock area is a scratch on the crystal and not a crack in the dial.) Presidential bracelet has 20 links total, 1 of which is removable. There is minor stretch.

Our Perspective

Famed for its chatoyance or "cat’s eye effect" in French, the Tiger's Eye dial adds a touch of understated luxury to the Day-Date's already luxurious construction in a wonderfully balanced manner thanks to its beautiful shimmering effect - not something you see every day.

Eric Ku

Co-founder