1981 Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038 'Pinball' dial in 18K Yellow Gold

When President Lyndon B. Johnson famously wore a Rolex Day-Date in public, he didn’t just elevate a timepiece—he helped define it. Soon after, the Day-Date became synonymous with prestige and power, worn by a pantheon of modern titans—Ford, Kennedy, Reagan, Nixon, Roosevelt—each reinforcing the watch’s place as Rolex’s most aspirational offering.

Introduced in 1956, the Day-Date was the first wristwatch to display both the date and the day of the week in full. But it was the reference 18038, launched in the late 1970s, that quietly ushered the model into a new era. It marked the transition from acrylic to sapphire crystal, introduced a quickset date via the caliber 3055, and embodied the clean, sharp aesthetic of the post-Oysterquartz design language.

The 18038, produced into the early 1980s, occupies a sweet spot in Rolex history—modern enough to wear effortlessly today, but still retaining the old-world charm of the early Day-Dates. Offered in a staggering variety of dials, from classic champagne to stone, wood, and even special-order configurations, the reference became a canvas for Rolex’s most creative expressions.

Among the most delightful—and elusive—is the ‘Pinball’ dial. Unlike the standard baton or stick markers, this dial features applied solid gold rounded hour markers, interrupted only at 6 and 9 o’clock by elongated rectangular indices. The playful layout gives the impression of a golden pinball bouncing around the dial, ricocheting off circular bumpers with mechanical rhythm. It’s a detail that adds levity to a watch otherwise steeped in gravitas, and one that was rarely produced—especially on catalogued models.

This dial variation reminds us that even Rolex, the ultimate symbol of precision and control, has had moments of creative flair. And when that creativity is paired with the legacy of the Day-Date 18038, you get something more than just a watch. You get a conversation piece—a rare twist on an icon, with a story all its own.

Offered here for sale is a Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038 with ‘Pinball’ dial in 18K yellow gold which dates to 1981.

The sunburst champagne ‘Pinball’ dial is extraordinarily flawless, showing no wear at all, and featuring gorgeous lume plots that have aged to a creamy patina hue matching with that on the original golden hands.

The case is presented in great condition too, showing little wear and remaining sharp and thick. The yellow gold bezel and the case back remain in the same condition. All gold hallmarks remain clearly visible. It has developed a subtle rosy patina.

The original sapphire crystal is clean.

It comes suited on its original Rolex President 18K yellow gold bracelet with deployant clasp that remains in very good condition, with only minimal wear and very little stretch. It will fit up to a 16cm wrist.

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

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