Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038 - Navy Blue Sunburst Dial Unpolished
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 Reference 18038, dates to circa 1979 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 of the tighter areas, and a just few scattered blemishes and impressions. The gorgeous blue sunburst dial inside exhibits very faint degradation when inspected with a loupe, and also hints of purple as a result of patina from age. There is no wear in the usual areas around the luminous plots or applied 'baton' indices. The Tritium plots remain fully intact and show a very attractive, deep patina, and 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.
This is a fantastic, well-rounded example of an icon with a splash of color.
Condition Report & Details
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Every Oliver & Clarke timepiece comes with a one-year mechanical warranty starting from the date of delivery. We ensure all watches are in wonderful working condition and are ready for daily wear. Many have been fully serviced by our team of watchmakers.
Please note:
- Due to the vintage or antique nature of many of our watches, they may not keep time as accurately as when new, nor as precisely as quartz or electronic devices.
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- Internal or external damage caused by accidents, mishandling, abuse, modifications, or services performed by anyone other than our authorized personnel.
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