149 Rolex A very attractive, rare and fine, Day-Date automatic wristwatch in yellow gold, with champagne dial, mesh rolex bracelet, guarantee and presentation box, commissioned for the United States Merchant Marines, reference 18038.

Estimate: € 20.000 –⁠ 40.000

Among Rolex’s most iconic creations, the Day-Date has long symbolized prestige, achievement, and recognition. Yet, on rare and fascinating occasions, this celebrated model becomes more than a status symbol, it becomes a vessel of personal history. This particular reference 18038, issued in the 1970s, was not destined for a boardroom or political stage, but was instead awarded by the United States Merchant Marine as a commemorative gift to one of its loyal servicemen upon completing a decade of duty. The engraved caseback, bearing the recipient’s name, transforms this already significant timepiece into a deeply personal artifact, evoking an era when service and craftsmanship were held in the highest esteem. Mounted on a yellow gold mesh bracelet, it shows a sunburst champagne dial, preserved in excellent condition, and bearing the Merchant Marine logo as six o'clock. The United States Merchant Marine is a civilian fleet that transports goods in peacetime and supports the military during war. Vital to trade and national security, it has played a key role in U.S. history, especially during World War II. Further accompanied by its guarantee, the authenticity of its engraving, configuration, and character make it a compelling acquisition—not only for Rolex collectors, but also for admirers of naval history and rare, story-driven timepieces that transcend horology.