The Day-Date needs no introduction. Since its debut in 1956, it has held a singular place in watchmaking as the first wristwatch to display both the date and the full day of the week — spelled out in full, at twelve o’clock. The ref. 18038 represents the Day-Date at its most composed: 36mm of solid 18k yellow gold, a fluted bezel, and a President bracelet that together deliver a presence that is warm, authoritative, and unmistakably Rolex.
This particular example dates to circa 1984 and wears the years gracefully. The champagne dial has developed a rich, sunlit warmth that photographs beautifully and reads even better in hand. Applied baton indices sit flush against the dialled surface, and the matching gold hands sweep with the quiet confidence of a movement that has been running for four decades without complaint. The day disc reads WEDNESDAY in clean black print, and the date window at three o’clock sits behind the characteristic Rolex magnification lens. No restoration, no replacement parts — what you see is original.
The 18038 is powered by the calibre 3055, Rolex’s self-winding movement produced from 1977 to 1991. It features a quickset date mechanism — a genuine convenience that many collectors overlook — and runs on a Glucydur balance with Microstella regulation. This example has been verified to be running accurately and in mechanically excellent condition throughout.
The President bracelet — ref. 8385 — is solid 18k yellow gold throughout. The links show the characteristic soft brushed finish on the center links with polished edges, with no excessive stretch and solid deployment at the clasp. The warm yellow-gold tone that runs from bracelet to case to dial creates a cohesive, monochromatic look that defines the appeal of this reference.
The watch is offered with a one-year warranty from Lorièn Watches, alongside its original chronometer certificate.
Specifications
- Reference: 18038
- Year: Circa 1984
- Case material: 18k yellow gold
- Case diameter: 36mm
- Case thickness: Approx. 11mm
- Bezel: Fluted 18k yellow gold
- Dial: Champagne, applied baton indices, black day disc
- Crystal: Acrylic
- Movement: Calibre 3055, self-winding, quickset date
- Bracelet: President ref. 8385, 18k yellow gold
- Water resistance: 100m
- Condition: Good — consistent with age, mechanically excellent
- Papers: Original chronometer certificate present
- Warranty: One year, Lorièn Watches
