1981 Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038 'Blue' matte dial with Collectors' Full Set

Some watches transcend mere function—they become statements, cultural icons, and symbols of power. The Rolex Day-Date is one of them. When President Lyndon B. Johnson strapped one to his wrist, the game changed forever. Since then, this all-gold flagship has graced the wrists of world leaders, captains of industry, and cultural powerhouses alike. Ford, Kennedy, Reagan, Nixon—the Day-Date is woven into the very fabric of history. More than just a timepiece, it’s a declaration.

 

The reference 18038, introduced in the late 1970s, represents a pivotal moment in Rolex’s lineage. This was the generation that ushered in sapphire crystal, replacing acrylic, and refined the already formidable Day-Date into what we now recognize as the archetype of success. The 18038 remained in production through the early ‘80s before making way for the 18039, but within its brief tenure, it saw an impressive variety of dials—some standard, others bespoke, off-catalogue commissions for discerning clients. These unique configurations make the neo-vintage Day-Date a collector’s dream.

The example on offer here is a 1981 Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038 in 18K yellow gold, featuring the elusive matte blue dial in absolutely flawless condition.

While the more common sunburst blue variant reflects light with a glossy sheen, the matte blue dial presents a wholly different experience—under overcast skies, it reads as deep navy; in direct light, it pops with an almost electric vibrance. It’s a dial that changes with its surroundings, always interesting, always distinct.

 

Every gilt detail remains crisp, with not a single imperfection in sight. The original tritium lume plots are perfectly intact, having aged into a warm, creamy hue that harmonizes beautifully with the gold handset.

 

Then, there’s the case. Simply put, it’s astonishing. Virtually unworn, it retains its original factory finishing, with thick, razor-sharp lugs and an 18K yellow gold fluted bezel that shows only the faintest whispers of handling. Even the case back remains pristine. Check the back of the lugs—no spring bar marks, a telltale sign of near-zero wear. Gold hallmarks are deeply struck and perfectly legible, reinforcing its untouched status.

 

It comes fitted on its original 21-link Rolex ‘President’ 20-8385-8-20-1 bracelet in 18K yellow gold, exhibiting no stretch and barely any signs of use, perfectly in step with the watch’s near-new condition.

 

The sapphire crystal remains unmarked, sealing in that perfect dial beneath.

 

Mechanically, it’s flawless. Fully serviced by Rolex in April 2024, it runs as intended, with all functions operating smoothly, safe to wear for many years to come.

 

And the provenance? Undoubtable. This piece comes directly from the son of the original owner in Spain, the country where we are based. It arrives as a full collector’s set: large Rolex leather box, original manual, wallet with serial number, translation booklet, serialized hang tag (still displaying its original price of 790,000 Pesetas—just shy of €5,000 in today’s terms), Rolex Service Card with the newly implemented NFC system, a copy of the Rolex Service invoice, and the original punched guarantee papers confirming it was sold by a Rolex retailer in Ceuta, a Spanish city on the Moroccan coast. Everything matching, up to the Spanish Day-disc present on the watch, proof its irrefutable provenance.

 

Owning a gold Rolex Day-Date is one thing. Owning one in this condition, with this dial, backed by this level of documentation? That’s an opportunity. A watch with ‘New Old Stock’ presence, historical weight, and undeniable presence—this is the Day-Date at its absolute best.

 

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