Rolex Day-Date 36mm - Ref. 18038

For sale is a Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038 from 1985, crafted in 18k yellow gold and featuring a champagne sunburst dial with a German-language day display. Presented in excellent condition, the watch is paired with a green leather strap, giving this classic gold Day-Date a more relaxed character.

The Case & Bezel
The 36mm yellow gold case offers the balanced proportions that make the vintage Day-Date such an appealing watch to wear. Elegant enough to sit comfortably beneath a shirt cuff, it has a reassuring presence without feeling oversized. This example presents beautifully, with well-defined lugs and an attractive case profile.

The fluted yellow gold bezel frames the dial, its crisp detailing complementing the simple lines of the case.

The Dial
The champagne dial features a fine sunburst finish, with a warm golden tone that sits naturally alongside the yellow gold case. Applied baton hour markers and matching hands keep the display clean, while a black railway minute track with small Roman numerals adds a finer layer of detail around the perimeter.

The German-language day display at twelve gives this example a distinctive character, shown in the photographs as “Mittwoch,” or Wednesday. The date sits at three beneath the familiar Cyclops magnifier, completing the unmistakable Day-Date layout.

The Strap & Buckle
The watch is fitted to a forest-green leather strap with a grained surface and contrasting cream stitching. The combination of green leather and yellow gold works particularly well, bringing a less formal feel to the watch while retaining its elegance.

Both the strap and the gold-tone pin buckle are aftermarket, non-Rolex items.

Included with the watch: 
Original Box: Yes
Original Papers: No

Technical Data:
Model: 18038
Year: 1985
Case material: 18k Yellow Gold
Case diameter: 36mm
Bracelet: Generic Strap
Bracelet material: Leather
Dial: Champagne Sunburst
Crystal: Sapphire