Rolex Day-Date 18038

Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038 - Matte White Dial Unpolished

When the Day-Date was released in 1956, Rolex had made numerous attempts to capture the market with more complicated timepieces such as the Ref. 6036, the Ref. 8171, and the Ref. 6062, but it seemed like buyers were not particularly fond of complicated Rolexes. All of that changed when President Dwight D. Eisenhower was spotted wearing one Rolex in particular: a Day-Date. The model has since become known worldwide as ‘The President’ and as a symbol of success and prestige. Simply put, this one stuck. The Day-Date was available for many years on a leather strap with a matching gold buckle, but also on a solid gold bracelet (called a 'President' bracelet), like the example that we have here. Dating to circa 1979, this Reference 18038 is offered in excellent overall condition,. The Oyster case remains unpolished , retaining thick and symmetrical lugs and showing normal signs of wear throughout. The characteristic 'fluted' yellow gold bezel as well as the matching ' President' bracelet is in matching condition. Even the caseback sticker, while worn, remains partially intact and present. Inside, the white dial is a surprisingly uncommon. The matte surface remains clean and seemingly devoid of any wear or degradation, with crisp text and applied yellow gold 'baton' indices. The Tritium plots remain fully-intact and exhibit an attractive patina throughout, and the handset matches perfectly both to the naked eye and under UV inspection. Additionally, being a neo-vintage Day-Date, this piece featured the almost magical 'quickset' movement function for setting the date — a real treat if you have ever owned a 4-digit Day-Date! This is a fantastic, well-rounded example of an icon with a sneaky rare dial. Movement: Automatic-winding chronometer certified caliber by Rolex. Bracelet/Strap: Rolex yellow gold 'President' bracelet with 21 links and signed blade clasp stamped 'A.' Unpolished, showing matching normal wear throughout with only faint stretch. Sized for ≈7.5" wrist.