Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1983
Maker / issuer
RolexThis Rolex Day-Date wristwatch, referenced 18038, dates to approximately 1983. It is a 'quickset' model characterized by a yellow gold case and matching 'President' bracelet featuring a hidden clasp.
The watch displays a matte blue-purple dial with applied yellow gold Roman numeral indices and a cyclops lens over the date aperture. The movement is enclosed in a case that has been previously lightly polished while retaining its original lug geometry. Tritium luminous plots are present at the hour markers, exhibiting some wear. The watch is sold with its original punched documentation. The design includes the day of the week displayed at the 12 o'clock position and the date at 3 o'clock.
The construction utilizes yellow gold, with indices that are intended to contrast with the blue-toned dial, which is described as reminiscent of a 'Buckley' dial variation.
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
- circa 1983
- Type
- Day-Date wristwatch
- Maker
- Rolex
- Reference
- 18038
- Case features
- Lightly polished, retains thick lugs
- Dial features
- Applied yellow gold Roman indices
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
- Included accessories
- Punched papers
Design
- Visible features
- • Matte dial with color tone shifting between blue and purple • Fluted gold bezel with cyclops lens over the date window • President-style bracelet with hidden clasp • Applied gold Roman numeral indices with peripheral Tritium plots
- Bracelet and Provenance
- The watch is fitted with a solid gold 'President' bracelet, matching the gold composition of the case. It incorporates a hidden clasp mechanism, which is noted for its desirability within this watch series. Included with the purchase are the original punched papers, which certify the watch to the year 1983.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The watch is housed in a yellow gold case described as being in strong condition. While the auction description reports that the case has undergone light polishing in the past, it retains its original lug symmetry and profile. A singular small impression is noted on the bottom left lug. The dial is a matte finish with a color that varies between blue and purple. It is appointed with applied yellow gold Roman numeral hour indices. Peripheral Tritium luminous plots are present, though the 10 o'clock marker exhibits some minor material loss. Faint oxidation is visible on the 4 o'clock index.
- Movement and Functionality
- This specific example is categorized as a 'quickset' model, distinguishing it from earlier iterations of the Day-Date reference series. This functionality allows for the independent adjustment of the calendar displays. The watch features the standard Day-Date layout, including a day display at the 12 o'clock position and the date at the 3 o'clock position, magnified by the characteristic cyclops lens.
Identification
- Reference
- 18038
- 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 auction description reports the watch has seen light polishing at a previous time
- Research required: The auction description reports minor Tritium loss at the 10 o'clock marker and faint oxidation on the 4 o'clock marker