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
