Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038 - 'Burlwood' Dial Unpolished

When the Day-Date was released in 1956, Rolex had made numerous attempts to capture the market with more complicated timepieces such as the Ref. 6036, the Ref. 8171, and the Ref. 6062, but it seemed like buyers were not particularly fond of complicated Rolexes. All of that changed when President Dwight D. Eisenhower was spotted wearing one Rolex in particular: a Day-Date. The model has since become known worldwide as ‘The President’ and as a symbol of success and prestige. Simply put, this one stuck.

The Day-Date was available for many years on a leather strap with a matching gold buckle, but also on a solid gold bracelet (called a 'President' bracelet), like the example that we have here.

However, this isn't your run of the mill Day-Date...

Dating to circa 1980, the Reference 18038 that we have here features a special lacquered wood dial. During this time, there where a few different wood dial variants available, with the example that we have here being of the walnut variant. It remains in excellent overall condition, with a smooth glossy surface and clear gold printing throughout. It has applied indices, framed day and date apertures, an applied logo at the 12 o'clock position, and a matching handset. The case, bracelet and bezel are also in exceptional condition. All remain in unpolished condition and show normal signs of wear throughout. The bracelet is also subtly special. By this time, Rolex had largely phased out 'President' bracelets with adjustable 'blade'-style clasps in favor of 'hidden'-style deployant units... This piece features a very late and are blade clasp. Additionally, this piece possesses an always alluring caseback engraving. 

The combination of the brown wood dial within the yellow gold case is undeniably a very of-it's-time combination... We think it had aged beautifully and collectors seem to agree. As a result, these remain sought after and collectible — and its not everyday that they surface in condition like this.