Rolex Day-Date 18038 'Ferrite'
SoldRolex Day-Date 18038 'Ferrite'
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The Rolex Day-Date is the most fun model to collect because there are so many wonderful options to choose from and the stone dial variations are some of the most beautiful among them.This Day-Date is a bonafide classic with the iconic 36 mm 18k yellow gold Oyster case with a fluted bezel and the matching 18k yellow gold President bracelet with the concealed Rolex folding clasp.What makes this classic truly special is the rare stone dial. For this particular dial, Rolex has made use of ferrite, an iron-bearing mineral with a beautiful black and grey striated texture, and adorned it with 18k yellow gold Roman numerals. Stone dials are beautiful due to the natural variation of the stones used, but they’re also quite fragile. Many of them have developed cracks or rips over the years. Therefore, a flawless dial will increase the value greatly as is the case with this flawless example.This stunner dates back to 1989 and features a scratch resistant sapphire crystal and a French day disc. The ref. 18038 runs on the updated caliber 3055 automatic movement with a single quickset function to independently adjust the date disc.The watch is in excellent condition and comes with the original box and papers.
Introduction
Rolex Day-DateIn 1956, Rolex introduced one the most iconic watches ever made: the Day-Date. The Day-Date was the first waterproof self-winding chronometer certified wristwatch with a day and date function. And to top it off, it was only available in gold or platinum! Rolex also designed a new three-link bracelet, known as the ‘President,’ to pair with this special watch. With the exception of the most modern executions, the Day-Date comes exclusively in a 36mm case.Reference 18xxxThe arrival of the 18xxx series Day-Dates in 1978 ushered in the first signs of the ‘modern’ watchmaking era for Rolex. These Day-Dates were the first regular production Rolex watches to receive a sturdy and scratch resistant sapphire crystal. To accommodate the new crystal, the iconic Oyster case had to be increased in thickness as well, giving the Day-Date a more modern look.Other significant developments were the change from the beloved pie-pan dials to the new flat dials and the unveiling of a brand new movement. The caliber 3055 introduced a single quickset function, which meant that the date could finally be adjusted separately from the time and date.Like its predecessors, the 18xxx Day-Dates were available with different bezel and case decorations. The most common references are:
- Ref. 18026: Domed bezel (platinum)
- Ref. 18028: Domed bezel
- Ref. 18038: Fluted bezel
- Ref. 18039: Fluted bezel (white gold)
- Ref. 18046: Diamond-set bezel and index (platinum)
- Ref. 18048: Diamond-set bezel and index
- Ref. 18049: Diamond-set bezel and index (white gold)
- Ref. 18078: Bark-finished bezel in yellow gold (usually paired with President bracelet with bark-finished centerlinks)
- Ref. 18079: Bark-finished bezel in white gold (usually paired with President bracelet with bark-finished centerlinks)
Specifications
- SKU 6958
- Bezel material
- Boxed
- Bracelet
- Caliber
- Case Dimensions
- Case Material
- Dial
- Documents
- Glass
- Model
- Movement
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Reference
18038
- Year