1981 Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18039
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1981
Maker / issuer
RolexThis 1981 Rolex Day-Date, reference 18039, is constructed from 18K white gold. It features a 36mm case with a fluted bezel and the original two-dot twin-lock crown.
The watch is powered by an automatic movement providing day and date complications. The blue vignette lacquered dial incorporates factory-applied diamond markers, including baguette-cut diamonds at the 6 and 9 o'clock positions. The timepiece is fitted with an 18K white gold Rolex 8385 President bracelet consisting of 23 links. The auction description reports the watch has been serviced and is keeping time. The hands and dial retain original tritium luminous material, which displays a cream patina.
The date wheel displays open 6 and 9 numerals. The watch is presented as a singular item without accompanying boxes or documentation.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- 1981
- Dial
- Blue Vignette with factory diamonds
- Type
- Day-Date wristwatch
- Serial
- 65XXXXX
- Bracelet
- Rolex 8385 18K WG President Bracelet
- Material
- 18K White Gold
- Case Size
- 36mm
- Reference
- 18039
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
Design
- Dial and Hands
- The dial is a blue vignette-style lacquered surface, described by the source as a Stella-type dial. It features diamond hour markers, with baguette-cut diamonds specifically positioned at the 6 and 9 o'clock indices. The hands and the circular tritium lume plots exhibit a cream patina. The auction description reports the dial is in original condition with a minor, non-visible delamination spot near the day window. The date wheel utilizes open-style 6 and 9 numerals. UV light inspection of the hands and luminous plots shows no degradation.
- Visible features
- • Blue vignette lacquered dial finish • Cream patina on tritium luminous plots • Date wheel with open 6 and 9 numerals • 18K white gold fluted bezel
- Case and Bracelet
- The 36mm case is manufactured from 18K white gold and features a fluted bezel. The vendor reports that the case retains thick dimensions with crisp edges. The winding crown is identified as the original two-dot white gold twin-lock version, which has developed a warm patina over time. The watch is accompanied by an 18K white gold Rolex 8385 President bracelet. This bracelet comprises 23 links and exhibits nominal stretch. It is designed to accommodate wrists measuring up to 7.25 inches. The source notes that the bracelet manufacture date is slightly later than that of the watch head.
- Condition and Maintenance
- The watch has undergone recent service and is reported by the vendor to maintain accurate time. The internal movement provides both day and date indication functionality. There is no evidence of degradation on the original tritium luminous material on either the hands or the dial. The diamond markers have been inspected for clarity and are identified as original factory components. The watch is sold as a standalone item without any additional accessories, papers, or original packaging.
Identification
- Reference
- 18039
- Serial number
- 65XXXXX
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The exact month and day of production within 1981 are not provided.
- Research required: Bracelet age is described as dating slightly later than the watch head.