119 Rolex Rare and Desirable, Day-Date, Automatic Wristwatch, in Yellow Gold, Onyx Dial, Reference 18 038
Estimate: €12,000 – 24,000
Sold (Premium)€38,350
Model: Day-Date
Reference: 18038
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Yellow Gold
Year: 1978
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 3055
Case N°: 5 806 319
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
It is often forgotten that Rolex occasionally used precious hard stones in Datejusts and Day-Dates. These creations are now at the center of a whirling interest from collectors or anyone looking for something rare and unusual. Due to their fragile nature, many of these dials tended to break during their production, this problematic increased the manufacturing cost and that’s why these watches are highly sought after by collectors. The Day-Date is Rolex’s most prestigious line of dress watches since it was launched in 1956. Predominantly produced in either gold or platinum, Rolex introduced a special variant of the series during the 1980s. With the exception of the most modern executions, the Day-Date comes exclusively in a 36 mm case. The present reference 18 038 is one of these examples with a very striking onyx dial. The very nice overall state of preservation of both the case and the president bracelet pass almost in the background when compared with the magnificence of the black onyx dial with gilt printing, hands and applied logo which grants immediate and crystal-clear legibility.