Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038 - 'Onyx Pyramid' 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...
The piece that we have here features a striking, 'onyx' stone dial, which belongs to a family of watches produced with a series of rare and exotic stones. These dials are as rare as they are beautiful to behold. Produced for a limited time these dials were handmade by artisans — something we don't usually associate with the sports watches that Rolex is known for — and have always been coveted as some of the more collectible vintage Rolexes.
But it doesn't stop there... this particular 'onyx' dial features a raised 'pyramid' pattern on the surface with factory applied diamond indices — rarer still! Upon very close inspection with a loupe, you can even see the cut stone finishing.
And then, there is the condition. Dating to circa 1985, the case, matching 'President' bracelet and 'fluted' bezel would be hard to match on their own. It remains in completely unpolished condition with a stunning 'rosy oxidation' developing throughout, with a deep purple/blue on the right side of the case.
The combination of the deep black stone dial with the desirable round indices within the yellow gold case is undeniably a match made in heaven. Take into account the exemplary overall condition, and the result is a truly special and rare piece fit for the Day-Date connoisseur.
Condition Report & Details
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