Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1979 Reference No: 18038 Movement No: 0'296'701 Case No: 5'909'127 Model Name: Day-Date Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3055, 27 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold Rolex pin buckle Dimensions: 35.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Catalogue Essay
Presented in 1978, reference 18038 introduced a quick set date function (made possible with the caliber 3055) and sapphire crystal - two upgrades from reference 1803, which was fitted with an acrylic crystal and did not allow the wearer to simply change the date by pulling out the crown halfway.
These "Stella" dials feature multi-layered lacquer coating combined with vibrant and rich colors that create a glistening, twinkling effect. “Stella” dials come in an outstanding variety of colors, yet the color of the present watch, whether you call it oxblood or burgundy, is one popular with collectors. This is due in no small part to the richness and vitality of the layered lacquer, dark enough to not seem overtly tropical, yet vivid enough to capture the eye of the passing observer.
With its mesmerizing dial and well-preserved, virtually unused case, this exemplary version of Rolex's most prestigious model is sure to delight the demanding connoisseur.
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.