Rolex Day-Date 36mm - Ref. 18038

For sale is a vintage 1985 Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038, crafted entirely from solid 18k yellow gold and featuring a beautifully clean white Roman numeral dial.

The Day-Date
Introduced in 1956, the Rolex Day-Date was the first wristwatch to display both the day of the week written in full and the date. Produced exclusively in precious metals, it quickly established itself as Rolex’s flagship model and remains one of the most recognisable symbols of the brand.

The reference 18038 was introduced in the late 1970s and represented an important evolution of the Day-Date, introducing a sapphire crystal alongside the Rolex Calibre 3055 with its convenient quickset date function.

The Dial
The bright white surface gives the watch a particularly crisp and refined appearance, contrasting beautifully with the rich tone of the surrounding 18k yellow gold. The raised Roman numerals add depth to the otherwise understated dial, while matching yellow gold hands and the applied Rolex coronet complete the traditional aesthetic.

The signature arched day display sits prominently at 12 o’clock, while the date aperture at 3 o’clock is magnified by the Cyclops lens.

The Case
The classic 36mm Oyster case is crafted entirely from solid 18k yellow gold and is complemented by Rolex’s signature fluted bezel.

The combination of brushed and polished surfaces gives the case excellent definition, while the sharply faceted fluted bezel catches the light beautifully. Together with the white dial, the gold case creates a timeless configuration that remains equally elegant today.

The Bracelet
The watch is fitted with its period-correct 18k yellow gold President bracelet, one of the defining features of the Day-Date. Importantly, the bracelet carries the correct “55” endlink code, specific to the Ref. 18038, together with the “18000” reference stamped on the clasp, confirming the bracelet as the correct configuration for this model. Particularly noteworthy is the traditional box clasp with raised Rolex coronet—a distinctive period detail that sets it apart from the more commonly seen concealed Crownclasp and provides a subtle link to its predecessor, the Ref. 1803.

Technical Data
Model: 18038
Year: 1985
Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold
Case Diameter: 36mm
Dial: White with Roman Numerals
Bezel: 18k Yellow Gold Fluted
Bracelet: 18k Yellow Gold President
Crystal: Sapphire

Movement
Rolex Calibre 3055 Automatic