Vintage Rolex Day-Date 18038 (1987)

The Rolex Day-Date is one of the most prestigious and recognisable watches in horological history, synonymous with success, refinement and timeless luxury. Introduced in 1956, the Day-Date quickly established itself as Rolex’s flagship dress watch, earning the affectionate nickname “President”. The Ref. 18038 represents a particularly desirable generation, introducing a sapphire crystal and the calibre 3055 single quickset movement, allowing independent adjustment of the date. Loved by collectors for its traditional 36mm proportions and vintage character, this reference remains a classic expression of Rolex’s precious metal watchmaking.

This Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038 features a beautifully proportioned 36mm case crafted entirely from 18ct yellow gold, complemented by Rolex’s signature fluted gold bezel. Its rich champagne dial is adorned with applied diamond hour markers, creating one of the most timeless and desirable combinations within the Day-Date collection. The signature day display at 12 o’clock and date window at 3 o’clock complete its unmistakable appearance, while the iconic 18ct yellow gold President bracelet adds an exceptional sense of luxury and refinement.

Powering the watch is the Rolex calibre 3055 automatic single quickset movement, offering an approximately 40-hour power reserve. Offered with box and papers, circa 1987. The classic combination of yellow gold, champagne dial and diamond markers has remained a favourite among Day-Date enthusiasts for generations. Finding well-preserved examples of this era with accompanying documentation is increasingly appealing to collectors, particularly given the wear commonly associated with solid gold watches. With its enduring elegance and desirable single quickset movement, this is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a genuine Rolex classic. As with all vintage timepieces, we do not recommend wearing this watch in or around water, regardless of its original water resistance rating. For complete peace of mind, this timepiece is accompanied by our 24 month J. Farren Price warranty.

The following guide explains the condition terms used throughout our pre-owned and vintage watch collection.

• New
  Brand-new and unworn, supplied by J. Farren Price as an authorised dealer with the applicable manufacturer warranty.
• New Old Stock (NOS)
  An unworn watch from an earlier production period. Minor storage or handling marks may be present.
• Mint
  An exceptional pre-owned example presenting in near-new condition, with no visible wear.
• Excellent
  A very well-preserved watch showing only light signs of careful use.
• Very Good
  A well-presented watch showing normal signs of use, including minor scratches or surface wear.
• Good
  A watch showing more noticeable signs of regular use and age, while remaining presentable.

Vintage watches
Condition is assessed in the context of the watch's age. Natural patina and period-appropriate ageing may be present and do not necessarily detract from its grade.

Condition grades relate to cosmetic presentation. Originality, replacement parts, service history and accessories are described separately where known. Please refer to the individual product description and photographs for further details.

For more in depth information about any of our timepieces, feel free to contact our team directly on (08) 8223 2787 or visit our boutique to view in person.