117 Rolex A highly attractive, rare and very fine, Day-Date, automatic wristwatch in yellow gold with onyx dial and bracelet, reference 18038.
Estimate: € 25.000 – 50.000
A 20% import VAT is due on the final price including premium, only if it is delivered within the EU.
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- Model Day-Date
- Year Circa 1978
- Reference 18038
- Case Material 18K yellow gold
- Case Number 5'501'069
- Bracelet Material 18K yellow gold Rolex bracelet, approximate length 200mm
- Movement Automatic, cal. 3055, 27 jewels
- Dimension 36mm Diameter
- Signed Case, dial and movement
- Accessories Accompanied by additional strap.
Introduced in 1956, the Rolex Day-Date was a declaration of intent. It was the first wristwatch to display both the day of the week spelled out in full and the date, and it did so exclusively in precious metal. No steel versions were ever offered. From its inception, the Day-Date was conceived not as a utilitarian instrument but as a symbol of success, permanence, and authority. Over time, it earned the name “President,” becoming one of the most culturally resonant watches of the twentieth century.The 18038 is a reference that feels both classical and quietly assertive. What distinguishes this example is its onyx dial. Unlike painted or lacquered dials, onyx is a natural stone, cut and polished to an extreme thinness, producing a surface of absolute black—light-absorbing, seamless, and profoundly dramatic. Production was always limited: the material’s fragility, high rejection rate, and servicing challenges ensured that onyx dials were never made in large numbers. Here, the effect is striking. The warmth of yellow gold contrasts sharply with the inky depth of the stone dial, against which the applied gold furniture appears almost suspended. The present example is further preserved in truly excellent overall condition. The case retains its original proportions, strong lugs, and crisp and deep hallmarks to the under-lugs. The bracelet sits in similar condition to the case, retaining strong rigidity. Overall, the present Rolex Day-Date reference 18038 is an incredible specimen and a must have for the descering collector of important and rare Day-Dates.
Condition Report
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24 April - From 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
25 April - From 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM