£9,850.00
Introduced in the late 1970s, the Rolex Day-Date reference 18038 marked a pivotal evolution of the model that had symbolised prestige since its debut in 1956. By 1981, the 18038 had firmly established itself as the archetype of the “President’s Watch,” yet introduced several modern refinements that defined Rolex’s transition into the contemporary era. Chief among these was the adoption of the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal—replacing the earlier acrylic domes—and the upgraded calibre 3055 movement, featuring a single quickset mechanism that allowed the date to be set independently of the hands. The watch retained its 36 mm 18-carat yellow-gold Oyster case, with a solid fluted bezel and screw-down crown ensuring Rolex’s signature water resistance and durability. Its dial—typically in champagne, silver, or rich lacquer tones—was executed to exacting standards, with applied gold indices and the famous twin apertures at 12 and 3 o’clock displaying the day of the week in full and the date in instantaneous precision.
This 1981 example, presented on a leather strap rather than the customary President bracelet, underscores the refined versatility of the 18038 design. The combination lends the watch a more understated, almost dress-watch character, while still retaining the gravitas of solid 18 ct gold construction. Complete with its original Rolex presentation box, this piece encapsulates an era when Rolex was refining its engineering language—balancing tradition with innovation through advancements such as the sapphire crystal, improved automatic winding efficiency, and the enhanced quickset functionality. Today, early sapphire-crystal Day-Dates like this one stand as milestones in the lineage, bridging the warm charm of the 1970s with the technical confidence that would carry Rolex through the decades to come.
| Complications | Day and Date |
|---|---|
| Movement | Rolex in house cal. 3055 |
| Case Size | 36mm |
| Delivery | Supplied with the original presentation box and a Comber of Lewes warranty and certification card. |
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5 North Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2PA
01273 473123
royce@comberoflewes.co.uk
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1998 Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duoface Day & Night Mechanical
