ROLEX | DAY-DATE, REFERENCE 18038 YELLOW GOLD DIAMOND-SET WRISTWATCH WITH DAY, DATE AND BRACELET, CIRCA 1986

The Rolex Day-date stands as one of the brand’s most luxurious wristwatches.

The iconic model was originally released in 1956 as the first waterproof and chronometer-certified automatic wristwatch to display the date at 3 o’clock and the day of the week in full letters at 12. Considered as an everyday dress watch and worn by the most influential men and women of the century, the Day-date was only available in precious metals, including yellow, rose and white gold as well as platinum. The Day-date is often referred to as the President Rolex, a name referring to its luxurious bracelet.

The reference 18038 was produced from 1977 to 1988 and introduced many new features to the model. The calibre 3055 added the newly developed quick-set date function to the Day-Date, while the reference 18038 was also the first to bear a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. These two changes added an immediate touch of modernity to the most elegant wristwatch offered by Rolex.

The present Rolex Day-date reference 18038 was made in 1986, two years before the transition to reference 18238. It offers the quintessential configuration for the model: a yellow gold Oyster case and matching three-link President bracelet, paired with a signature diamond-set champagne dial.