{"product_id":"1978-rolex-day-date-lemon-dial-catalan-date-ref-18038","title":"1978 Rolex Day-Date Lemon Roman Dial Catalan Date (Ref. 18038)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eWorth A Read\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2194\" data-end=\"2222\"\u003eHistory and Significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"77\" data-end=\"479\"\u003eThe Rolex Day-Date ref. 18038 represents one of the most important evolutionary steps in the history of the model. Introduced in the late 1970s, it brought the quickset caliber 3055 to the Day-Date line while retaining the warm acrylic crystal and classic proportions that many collectors still prefer over later references. It was a modernized Day-Date, though still unmistakably vintage in execution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"481\" data-end=\"935\"\u003eThis particular example stands apart because of its unusual matte champagne “Lemon” dial configuration. Unlike the more common sunburst champagne dials seen throughout the period, this dial has a flatter, softer matte finish that gives the watch a distinctly different personality on the wrist. Combined with the thin Roman numerals and the rarer Catalan day disc, the overall look feels more restrained and collectible than standard production examples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"937\" data-end=\"1363\"\u003eDetails like the Catalan calendar wheel are the sort of subtle variations longtime Rolex collectors gravitate toward. They were produced in smaller numbers and often remained in regional markets, making surviving examples considerably less common today. Paired with the warm yellow gold case and acrylic crystal, the watch carries a very specific late-1970s Rolex character that is difficult to replicate in modern production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"3879\" data-start=\"3859\"\u003eWriter's Thoughts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1388\" data-end=\"1868\"\u003eMost Day-Dates from this era lean flashy, but this one really does not. The matte “Lemon” dial softens the entire watch and gives the gold case a quieter appearance than the traditional glossy champagne configurations. The thin Roman numerals also help a lot. Everything feels lighter visually and a little more refined. On the grey leather strap, it almost stops feeling like a classic “president” watch altogether and starts wearing more like an understated vintage dress Rolex. The Catalan date disc is the cherry on top, such a rare configuration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"3616\" data-start=\"3599\"\u003eOur Promise\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3852\" data-start=\"3617\"\u003eEvery watch is carefully inspected, fully vetted, and described with full transparency. This Rolex is guaranteed authentic and comes backed by our commitment to honesty, quality, and trust.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2100\" data-end=\"2110\"\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rolex\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2119\" data-end=\"2129\"\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Day-Date (Ref. 18038)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2154\" data-end=\"2163\"\u003eYear:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1978\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2171\" data-end=\"2189\"\u003eCase Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yellow gold\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2204\" data-end=\"2218\"\u003eCase Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 36mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2226\" data-end=\"2236\"\u003eBezel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yellow gold fluted bezel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2264\" data-end=\"2273\"\u003eDial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Matte champagne “Lemon” dial with thin Roman numerals and Catalan day disc\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2351\" data-end=\"2364\"\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Automatic\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2377\" data-end=\"2396\"\u003eStrap\/Bracelet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Leather strap\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2413\" data-end=\"2430\"\u003eBuckle\/Clasp:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generic buckle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2448\" data-end=\"2461\"\u003eContents:\u003c\/strong\u003e Watch only\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eCondition\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2490\" data-end=\"2499\"\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent overall condition with light surface wear visible throughout; appears lightly polished in the past while retaining strong overall proportions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2655\" data-end=\"2664\"\u003eDial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original matte champagne “Lemon” dial remains clean overall with attractive, even coloration and crisp printing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2779\" data-end=\"2789\"\u003eHands:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent condition with light wear consistent with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2849\" data-end=\"2861\"\u003eCrystal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clean overall with light wear visible under close inspection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2926\" data-end=\"2945\"\u003eStrap\/Bracelet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Leather strap is newer with light wear from handling and fitting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48484751245495,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0553\/8391\/6727\/files\/DSF7587-2.jpg?v=1779399468","url":"https:\/\/huntingtoncompany.com\/products\/1978-rolex-day-date-lemon-dial-catalan-date-ref-18038","provider":"Huntington Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}