Now Live: Rolex Day-Date 36 Ref. 18038, Yellow Gold, Blue Aventurine Dial

Now live: a 1980s Rolex Day-Date ref. 18038 in 18k yellow gold with a blue aventurine stone dial. The President is Rolex’s most prestigious classic, the 18038 is the generation that modernized it with a quickset date and sapphire crystal, and a natural stone dial makes this one unlike any other example. Fluted bezel, President bracelet, excellent condition.

Why It Matters

The Day-Date launched in 1956 as the first wristwatch to spell out the day of the week in full, and it was offered only in precious metal. Its association with heads of state earned it the “President” name, and its proportions have barely needed to change since.

The 18038 arrived in the late 1970s and brought two important updates: a quickset date and a sapphire crystal. It sits at a sweet spot for collectors, modern enough to wear daily, vintage enough to have character.

The dial is what elevates this one. Rolex’s stone dials of the era were cut from natural minerals, so no two are alike. Blue aventurine carries tiny inclusions that sparkle and shift as the watch moves, and against warm yellow gold it is striking.

This Example

The case shows strong definition and proper hallmarks, the stone dial is clean with applied gold Roman numerals, and the President bracelet with hidden clasp remains in solid condition.

Specifications

Reference

18038

Year

1980s

Case

36mm 18k yellow gold, fluted bezel

Movement

Rolex automatic, quickset date

Dial

Blue aventurine stone, applied gold Roman numerals, day at 12, date at 3

Bracelet

18k yellow gold President, hidden clasp

Price

$48,000

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