Original price was: £12,500.00.£0.00Current price is: £0.00.
The 1983 Rolex Day-Date 36 in 18-carat gold represents a mature stage in the development of one of Rolex’s most emblematic and status-laden models. First introduced in 1956, the Day-Date was the brand’s flagship offering, notable for being the first wristwatch to display both the date and the fully spelled-out day of the week. By 1983, the Day-Date had solidified its association with political and business elites, often referred to as the “President” due to its well-documented use by U.S. presidents and other heads of state. The 36mm case remained unchanged in proportion, crafted entirely from solid 18ct gold—a hallmark of the model—and paired with either a fluted or smooth bezel, depending on the variant.
Culturally, the 1983 Day-Date in 18ct gold encapsulates the model’s shift from a technical innovation to a symbol of social standing. During the early 1980s, Rolex was becoming increasingly synonymous with success in both the West and emerging global markets. The all-gold Day-Date served as a visual marker of achievement, particularly appealing to those in positions of power or influence. While it retained the core functionality that defined its mid-century origins, the 1983 edition reflects an era in which the Day-Date became less about horological novelty and more about cultural resonance. For collectors today, it represents a key chapter in the model’s evolution—bridging the robust mechanical ethos of earlier decades with the aspirational branding that would dominate Rolex’s image in the years to come.
| Case Size | 36mm |
|---|---|
| Complications | Day and Date |
| Delivery | Box only |
| Reference | 18038 |
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