Rolex Day-Date 18k Black 1978

Our reference is the 18038, which was part of the next generation of Day-Dates released in 1978, at its launch replacing the famed ref. 1803 and updating the President towards a slightly more modern style. 

At its core, the ref. 18038 is the quintessential Day-Date, complete with its classic namesake dial configuration, solid gold 36mm case and fluted bezel. This updated version did, however, feature a new watertight construction, now designed to be water resistant up to 100 meters, in addition to a sapphire crystal to better scratch resistance. On the dial, a wide variety of configurations were offered with this reference, but compared to its predecessors, the edge of the dial was no longer sloped downwards in a pie pan style; instead, they were flat. 

The most useful upgrade for this reference was the addition of a single quick-set date (not day) function.

 CASE:

• excellent overall condition, showing no traces of use 
• 3- body 18k yellow gold case with screw-down case back (135 gram)
• 36 mm (without crown) / 43 mm (lug-to-lug) / 19 mm (between lugs)
• original Rolex 18k President bracelet without stretch fitting up to 18 cm wrist 
• Year: 1978
• Reference: 1803 / 8

MOVEMENT:

• Rolex Automatic Caliber 3055
• 27 jewels, 28800 A/h, 50 hours power reserve
• professionally serviced 04/2023
• +5sec/d / 300°

DIAL:

• original never touched glossy black dial in flawless condition
• original hands, dial and crown
• original and evenly aged tritium on hands and dial
• tiny round scratch at the original crystal at 6 o'clock