Rolex Day-Date 18038 'Al Bilad Dial'

Sold
Sold
  • Free worldwide delivery

Al Bilad means The Country. The name is often used by state-owned enterprises in Saudi-Arabia, such as the Al Bilad Bank and the Al-Bilad Newspaper. Rolex issued this watch in 1982 to Albilad Fire Fighting Systems Co. Ltd., an organization from Saudi-Arabia specialised in - you won't believe this - fire protection services. Instead of 'Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified' the dial displays the blue company logo of Albilad. There are various dials with crests and company logo's and basically, the two configurations are: a logo that replaces the S.C.O.C.-text (like this one) and a dial in which the logo is displayed together with this text (for example, at the 9-hour position). The first type is more valuable.The blue logo on the dial is a cool feature that pops out and looks so fresh when the sunlight hits the champagne-gold dial. The watch comes with box and papiers but you should know that the papers have not been signed, which is often the case with issued watches. The 18k yellow-gold case, bezel and President bracelet with concealed clasp are in sharp condition. This is the perfect Day-Date for you if you really want something else, something that no one else will have.

Introduction

Rolex Day-DateThe very essence of luxurious time-keeping, provided with a day and date function. It was launched in 1956 as a niche model and was only produced in precious metals (yellow-, white- and rosegold or platinum). Its retail price was way costlier than any other Rolex model. However, due to its popularity among a lot of prestigious people, for example presidents (hence, its nickname), it became Rolex’ flagship model. Over the years this model has enjoyed associations with a wide variety of people, from world leaders, athletes, celebrities and mafiosi (like Tony Soprano). Regardless of the differences, they all had one thing in common: being successful in their area of expertise. Therefore, to this day the Day-Date is still synonymous with luxury, prestige, style and success. With exception of the most modern models, the Day-Date comes in at 36mm. Do you earn this watch?Reference 180XXThe 18XX references were replaced by the 180XX references in 1978. Again, a new era - both, aesthetically and technically - began for the Day-Date. Firstly, the plexi crystal got replaced by sapphire crystal (glass), which is harder and shines more than plexi crystal. Because of the use of glass the case also got slightly thicker providing the watch with a modern design. The classic pie pan shape of the dial got dropped and, instead, the flat dial was introduced. Furthermore, the concealed clasp already was an option since '72 but since '78, all President bracelets were standardly delivered with a concealed clasp. Last but not least, the caliber 3055 got introduced, which provided the watch with a single quickset function. From now on, the date could be adjusted separately from the time and day making the Day-Date a more convenient watch. The most common references are:

  • Reference 18026: Domed bezel (Platinum)
  • Reference 18028: Domed bezel
  • Reference 18038: Fluted bezel
  • Reference 18039: Fluted bezel (White gold)
  • Reference 18046: Diamond-set bezel and index (Platinum)
  • Reference 18048: Diamond-set bezel and index
  • Reference 18049: Diamond-set bezel and index (White gold)
  • Reference 18078: Bark-finished bezel (Often paired with President bracelet with bark-finished centerlinks)
  • Reference 18079: Bark-finished bezel (White gold) (Often paired with President bracelet with bark-finished centerlinks)

Specifications

Shipping

We offer complimentary worldwide shipping by insured courier. Packages are generally dispatched within 2 days after receipt of payment and are shipped by private courier, PostNL, FedEx or Ferrari group; depending the value and destination. Consult us if you prefer another method of shipping. For all destinations tracking is available.