Rolex
Day-Date, Reference 18038 | A yellow gold and diamond-set wristwatch with day and date | Circa 1981
Lot Closed
May 13, 12:50 PM GMT
Estimate
16,000 - 30,000 CHF
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Read more.Lot Details
Description
Dial: burgundy degradé
Calibre: cal. 3055 automatic, 27 jewels
Case: 18k yellow gold, screw-down case back
Case number: 6’632’658
Closure: gilt stainless steel Rolex buckle
Size: 36 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: none
The present reference 18038 is distinguished by its striking burgundy dégradé dial, further enhanced by brilliant-cut diamond hour markers. The rich gradient tones, transitioning from deep black at the periphery to warm burgundy at the centre, are characteristic of the bold dial aesthetics Rolex experimented with during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Introduced with the single quick-set calibre 3055, the reference 18038 marked an important technical evolution of the Day-Date line while retaining the classic 36 mm Oyster case and fluted bezel. The present example combines these hallmark features with an especially uncommon dial configuration.