144 Rolex A very well preserved and iconic, Day-Date, automatic wristwatch in yellow gold, with tiger-eye dial, reference 18038.

Estimate: € 30.000 –⁠ 60.000

• Model Day-Date
• Year 1987
• Reference 18038
• Case Material 18K yellow gold
• Case Number R882791
• Bracelet Material 18K yellow gold Rolex bracelet, approximate length 195mm
• Movement Automatic, cal. 3055, 27 jewels
• Dimension 36mm Diameter
• Signed Case, dial and movement

Among the most expressive and unconventional executions of the Day-Date, this Rolex reference 18038 in yellow gold with Tiger Eye dial stands as a vivid testament to the brand’s willingness, in the 1970s and early 1980s, to experiment well beyond its perceived conservatism. Introduced as part of the 18xxx generation, the reference 18038 paired the classic 36 mm Day-Date architecture with the then new caliber 3055, featuring a single quick-set date, an important technical evolution over earlier iterations.
What truly defines the present watch, however, is its spectacular Tiger Eye dial. Crafted from a natural semi-precious stone, the dial displays dramatic horizontal banding in rich tones of amber, bronze, and deep brown, animated by a silky chatoyance that shifts with the light. No two Tiger Eye dials are ever identical, each bearing a unique geological signature formed over millennia. Due to the inherent fragility of stone dials, many have not survived in attractive condition, making crisp, well-preserved examples such as this increasingly scarce and highly sought after.The warmth of the Tiger Eye is perfectly complemented by the yellow gold case and fluted bezel, while the applied gold baton indexes and matching hands preserve legibility without detracting from the dial’s natural spectacle. The classic President bracelet further anchors the watch within the Day-Date lineage, balancing opulence with unmistakable Rolex authority. Today, the reference 18038 with Tiger Eye dial is regarded as one of the most charismatic and collectible configurations of the vintage Day-Date family. Bold yet refined, luxurious yet organic, it captures a singular moment in Rolex history when natural materials, technical progress, and unapologetic presence converged into one of the most visually arresting Day-Dates ever produced.