227 Rolex Striking and Sought After, Day-date, Automatic Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, With Red Lacquered “Stella” Dial, Reference 18 038

Estimate: €30,000 –⁠ 60,000

Model: Day-Date
Reference: 18038
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1980
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 3055
Case N°: 6216779
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement

Launched first in 1956, it took almost no time at all for the Rolex Day-Date to assert itself at the top of the Rolex totem pole. Produced almost exclusively in precious metals, it obviously evolved both from a technical and an aesthetic point of view. During the years the movement has been developed in order to set date and day easily while the design of the dials has reached some pick of beauty and elegance. The lot here offered in a wonderful specimen of reference 18 038 in yellow gold with an incredibly gorgeous and rare red “Stella” dial. Preserved in very nice condition, well proportioned 36 mm Oyster case, it is also set with the over mentioned precious enamel red “Stella” dial. Rolex introduced hard enamel dials known as Stella dials on their Day-Date models in the 1970s and made them through the ’80s. These lacquered enamel dials had a high-gloss finish and were available in a riot of colors, tones you wouldn’t expect to see on a Rolex. Maybe not the rarest but surely one of the most appreciated by collectors and fans, the red enamel is absolutely incredible for quality and shininess: it is indeed intact and boasts a brilliant red sheen.