70 Rolex A fine and extremely attractive, Day-Date, automatic wristwatch in yellow gold, with blue "vignette" dégradé dial and diamond-set indexes, reference 18238.

Estimate: € 20.000 –⁠ 40.000

• Model Day-Date
• Year 1985
• Reference 18238
• Case Material 18K yellow gold
• Case Number S936522
• Bracelet Material 18K yellow gold Rolex bracelet, approximate length 190mm
• Movement Automatic, cal. 3155, 31 jewels
• Dimension 36mm Diameter
• Signed Case, dial and movement
• Accessories Accompanied by hang tag.
• Literature This specific watch is published in Pucci Papaleo’s Book "DAY-DATE, The Presidential Rolex" at page 304-305.

Few watches embody the idea of discreet power and unapologetic luxury as completely as the Rolex Day-Date. Beyond its emblematic status, the Day-Date has always served as Rolex’s most creative canvas: a stage upon which the manufacture experiments with rare materials, daring colors and gem-set artistry.
The present reference 18238 captures that spirit in particularly compelling form. Crafted in 18k yellow gold and fitted with the iconic President bracelet, it is distinguished by a striking vignette lacquer dégradé blue dial that transitions from a rich, electric cobalt at its center to a darker, almost midnight tone toward the periphery. The effect is hypnotic. As light moves across the surface, the dial appears to breathe, its depth accentuated by the warmth of the surrounding gold case and fluted bezel.
Enhancing this chromatic drama are brilliant and baguette-cut diamond hour markers, carefully selected and set to preserve both legibility and harmony. The result is a watch that balances flamboyance with structure.
Reference 18238 occupies an important chapter in Day-Date history. Powered by the reliable automatic caliber 3155, it combines technical robustness with everyday practicality, including the double quickset function for both day and date.
Preserved in excellent condition, the present example retains crisp hallmarks to the caseback and bracelet, a testament to careful stewardship over the decades. Its rarity is further underscored by its inclusion in Pucci Papaleo’s authoritative volume “Day-Date, The Presidential Rolex,” where it is illustrated on pages 304–305, a distinction reserved for noteworthy and uncommon configurations.
In the universe of Day-Date collecting, certain pieces transcend mere reference numbers. This dégradé blue diamond dial variant stands as one of those luminous exceptions, a watch that does not simply tell the day and date, but declares presence and enduring taste with every glance at the wrist.