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Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038 - Navy Blue Sunburst Dial Unpolished

SOLD

When the Day-Date was released in 1956, it was the only complicated Rolex for sale. Hard to believe, but after numerous References and attempts to capture the market with more complicated timepieces, it seemed like buyers were not particularly fond of Rolex’s previous attempts at complicated wristwatches. 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.

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.

This particular piece, a neo-vintage Reference 18038, dates to circa 1987 and remains in superb overall condition. It features an unpolished case, 'fluted' yellow gold bezel, and matching 'President' bracelet, all showing matching honest wear and light sleeve polish throughout. There is an attractive, light 'rosy' oxidation developing in some areas, and a fewnotable blemishes and impressions. The gorgeous blue dial inside is virtually flawless, retaining a vibrant blue color and its sunburst finishing with applied yellow gold 'baton' indices and fully-intact Tritium plots. The handset matches perfectly both to the naked eye and under UV inspection. Furthermore, this example has an English day disk and a handy 'quickset' date function.

All in all, this is a fantastic example of a classic, with a pop of color.

Yellow Gold 1987 Unpolished Automatic 36mm

"As collectors themselves, Oliver and Clarke are on a mission to make buying vintage watches as painless as possible."

"The company focuses on good prices for its pieces, elite customer service and full transparency."

"The appointment-only space is inviting, with comfortable seating areas and exposed brick walls."

From Rolex & Patek Philippe, to Cartier & Audemars Piguet. As collectors first, we love the small details that separate the Submariner from Daytona and Calatrava from Royal Oak. This is why you'll find our curated assortment spans decades of generations of models and brands. We believe that watches don't just tell time, they tell history - and life is too short to wear a boring watch.

Oliver & Clarke

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