1978 Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038 'Champagne' dial 18K Yellow Gold

Ford, Kennedy, Reagan, Nixon, Roosevelt, Johnson… These are just some of the wearers of the Rolex Day Date in gold. A watch that represents success, hard work, status, character, power and respect has been chosen by many personalities as their daily beater, and there’s no wonder why.

 

The Rolex Day-Date reference 18038 is a significant model in Rolex's history, introduced in the late 1970s. It is part of the Day-Date family, which was first launched in 1956, and is notable for being a part of the "mid-size" generation of Day-Date watches, typically produced during the 1970s and 1980s.

 

The 18038 was produced during the late 1970s and early 1980s, marking the transition from acrylic to sapphire crystals in the Rolex lineup. The model was eventually replaced by the reference 18039 in the mid-1980s.

Offered here for sale is a Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038 with ‘Champagne’ dial in 18K yellow gold which dates to 1978.

 

The sunburst champagne dial is mint, showing any wear at all, and featuring perfect lume plots aged to a creamy patina hue matching with that on the hands.

 

The case is presented in superb condition too, showing little wear and remaining sharp and thick. All gold hallmarks remain clearly visible. It has developed a stunning patina.

 

The sapphire crystal has a small ding at 6.

 

It comes on its original Rolex President 18K yellow gold bracelet with deployant clasp that shows little stretch.

 

The watch is running great and keeping time, as it has been fully serviced.

 

Macros of dial and case are available under request, as well as movement, inner case back and service pictures.