Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18039 - Purple 'Tropical' Dial

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.

The Day-Date that we have here is a Reference 18039 from circa 1978 and is quite the looker. In addition to being white gold, which are significantly rarer than their yellow gold siblings, this Day-Date features an absolutely stunning — mesmerizing tropical dial. Originally sunburst blue in color, which is stunning to begin with, this example has aged over the years to a purple tone and shows deposits of gold throughout. The Tritium plots remain fully-intact and exhibit an attractive creamy patina, which are complimented by a matching handset. The case is also fantastic. Likely-unpolished, it remains thick and symmetrical and shows normal signs of wear throughout with no notable blemishes or damage. Last but not least, the correct 'President' bracelet is in matching condition with virtually no 'stretch' to speak of.

This then, is a wildly cool piece for a multitude of reasons... It's white gold nature combined with that uniquely tropicalized dial amount to a very cool combination, yet is more restrained in its appearance relative to its yellow gold counterparts while still feeling special and 'elevated.'

This one is tough to beat!