1980s Rolex Day-Date Yellow Gold Blue Dial - Italian Date Wheel (Ref. 18038)
- Worth A Read
- Specifications
- Condition
History and Significance
When Rolex introduced the Day-Date in 1956, it instantly set a new standard by becoming the first wristwatch to display both the date and the full day of the week in a window at twelve. Early references like the 6510 and 6511 laid the foundation, but the line matured through the 1960s with the 1800 series and the introduction of the President bracelet. Over time, the Day-Date became a cultural symbol worn by statesmen, entertainers, and business leaders, earning its long-standing reputation as Rolex’s flagship dress model.
The reference 18038 arrived in the late 1970s with two major upgrades that brought the Day-Date into the modern era. The first was the switch to a sapphire crystal, adding scratch resistance and enhancing durability. The second was the introduction of the Caliber 3055, offering a quickset date function that made daily use far more practical. This transitional period also saw Rolex experimenting with dial colors and finishes that now define the charm of vintage Day-Date collecting.
The blue dial on this example has begun to develop a soft matte appearance, giving it a character that feels distinctly vintage. Paired with a full yellow gold case and bracelet, it represents the classic 18038 aesthetic while carrying its own individuality through subtle dial aging.
Writer's Thoughts
This is a strong example of an 18038 with a dial that has started to take on a unique texture. The matte shift on a blue dial gives the watch warmth you do not see on later models. It is a reference that balances daily practicality with unmistakable presence, and it remains one of the most compelling entry points into solid gold Day-Date collecting.
Our Promise
Every 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.
Brand: Rolex
Model: Day-Date ref. 18038
Year: 1980s
Case Material: 18k yellow gold
Case Size: 36 mm
Bezel: Fluted 18k yellow gold
Dial: Matte patina blue textured dial
Crystal: Sapphire
Movement: Automatic
Strap: 18k yellow gold President bracelet
Buckle/Clasp: 18k yellow gold hidden Coronet clasp
Contents: Watch only
Case: Shows signs of prior polishing with well-preserved hallmarks on the caseback.
Bezel: Light wear consistent with age
Crystal: Clean with no marks.
Dial: Blue dial fading to a matte tone. Some lume plots have partial loss.
Hands: Non-lume hands with black stripe inserts.
Strap: The Presidential bracelet shows minimal stretch and surface wear from use.
Buckle/Clasp: Clean, tight, and secure clasp.
1980s Rolex Day-Date Yellow Gold Blue Dial - Italian Date Wheel (Ref. 18038)
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The Details
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- Worth A Read
- Specifications
- Condition
History and Significance
When Rolex introduced the Day-Date in 1956, it instantly set a new standard by becoming the first wristwatch to display both the date and the full day of the week in a window at twelve. Early references like the 6510 and 6511 laid the foundation, but the line matured through the 1960s with the 1800 series and the introduction of the President bracelet. Over time, the Day-Date became a cultural symbol worn by statesmen, entertainers, and business leaders, earning its long-standing reputation as Rolex’s flagship dress model.
The reference 18038 arrived in the late 1970s with two major upgrades that brought the Day-Date into the modern era. The first was the switch to a sapphire crystal, adding scratch resistance and enhancing durability. The second was the introduction of the Caliber 3055, offering a quickset date function that made daily use far more practical. This transitional period also saw Rolex experimenting with dial colors and finishes that now define the charm of vintage Day-Date collecting.
The blue dial on this example has begun to develop a soft matte appearance, giving it a character that feels distinctly vintage. Paired with a full yellow gold case and bracelet, it represents the classic 18038 aesthetic while carrying its own individuality through subtle dial aging.
Writer's Thoughts
This is a strong example of an 18038 with a dial that has started to take on a unique texture. The matte shift on a blue dial gives the watch warmth you do not see on later models. It is a reference that balances daily practicality with unmistakable presence, and it remains one of the most compelling entry points into solid gold Day-Date collecting.
Our Promise
Every 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.
Brand: Rolex
Model: Day-Date ref. 18038
Year: 1980s
Case Material: 18k yellow gold
Case Size: 36 mm
Bezel: Fluted 18k yellow gold
Dial: Matte patina blue textured dial
Crystal: Sapphire
Movement: Automatic
Strap: 18k yellow gold President bracelet
Buckle/Clasp: 18k yellow gold hidden Coronet clasp
Contents: Watch only
Case: Shows signs of prior polishing with well-preserved hallmarks on the caseback.
Bezel: Light wear consistent with age
Crystal: Clean with no marks.
Dial: Blue dial fading to a matte tone. Some lume plots have partial loss.
Hands: Non-lume hands with black stripe inserts.
Strap: The Presidential bracelet shows minimal stretch and surface wear from use.
Buckle/Clasp: Clean, tight, and secure clasp.