Rolex Day Date 18038 Brown Vignette Diamond 1981

Rolex Day-Date 18038, Brown Vignette Diamond Dial, 1981 - The President’s Watch — Power, Prestige, and Patina

Few watches embody luxury and legacy like the Rolex Day-Date — known simply as “The President.” Introduced in 1956, it set the standard for prestige, worn by statesmen, artists, and visionaries alike.

This Ref. 18038, introduced in 1978 as the successor to the 1803, marked a turning point for the Day-Date. It brought a quick-set date function, a sapphire crystal, and an improved 100-meter water-resistant case, while retaining the unmistakable DNA of Rolex’s most iconic dress watch.

The present example from 1981 is a rare gem — featuring a brown vignette dial with factory diamond hour markers. The dial’s deep gradient transitions beautifully from a warm golden center to a dark outer edge, giving it depth and character. With its gently aged 18k yellow gold case and President bracelet, the watch exudes warmth and authenticity — the kind of natural patina only decades of quiet confidence can create.

Offered as a complete full set with its original box, papers, hangtag, and purchase receipt from Bangkok (1982), this Day-Date is both a collector’s trophy and a timeless statement of refined power.

- wrist size in our picture is 18cm circumference -

DIAL:

• original never touched brown vignette diamond dial in flawless condition
• day wheel language is English
• original hands and crown
• original and evenly aged tritium lume on hands and dial
  

BRACELET & CLASP:

• original Rolex 18k President bracelet with very minor stretch fitting up to 16.5 cm wrist / 3.2 mm thick
• original Rolex 18k yellow gold clasp

CASE:

• excellent overall condition, showing minor traces of use and a very warm patina all over and remains from sticker on caseback
• 3- body 18k yellow gold case with screw-down case back
• 36 mm (without crown) / 44 mm (lug-to-lug) / 20 mm (between lugs)
• year: 1981
• reference: 18038
• total weight: 128 g

MOVEMENT:

• Rolex Automatic Caliber 3055
• 27 jewels, 28800 A/h, 42 hours power reserve
• professionally serviced 10/2025
• +5 sec/d / 270°

BOX & PAPERS:

• original Rolex leather box and carton
• original Rolex papers and hangtag from first purchase November 1982 in Bangkok, Thailand - price back then 188.850 THB around 5.900 USD today
• GOLDAMMER certificate of authenticity & service documentation card

GOLDAMMER REFERENCE: #1227