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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch

1981 Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18039

Partially verified

This 1981 Rolex Day-Date, reference 18039, is constructed from 18K white gold. It features a 36mm case with a fluted bezel and the original two-dot twin-lock crown. The watch is powered by an automatic movement providing day and date complications. The blue vignette lacquered dial incorporates factory-applied diamond markers, including baguette-cut diamonds at the 6 and 9 o'clock positions. The timepiece is fitted with an 18K white gold Rolex 8385 President bracelet consisting of 23 links. The auction description reports the watch has been serviced and is keeping time. The hands and dial retain original tritium luminous material, which displays a cream patina. The date wheel displays open 6 and 9 numerals. The watch is presented as a singular item without accompanying boxes or documentation.

Front view of the 1981 Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18039, showing the blue vignette dial and diamond markers.
Front view of the 1981 Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18039, showing the blue vignette dial and diamond markers. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
18039
Catalogue / lot identifier
RLXDD18039BVD
Source-reported date
1981
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
65XXXXX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Bracelet

The 36mm case is manufactured from 18K white gold and features a fluted bezel. The vendor reports that the case retains thick dimensions with crisp edges. The winding crown is identified as the original two-dot white gold twin-lock version, which has developed a warm patina over time.

The watch is accompanied by an 18K white gold Rolex 8385 President bracelet. This bracelet comprises 23 links and exhibits nominal stretch. It is designed to accommodate wrists measuring up to 7.25 inches. The source notes that the bracelet manufacture date is slightly later than that of the watch head.

Evidence for this section
  • “The 18K white gold case remains remarkably well-preserved, showing extremely crisp edges with thick dimensions throughout.”
  • “The case retains its original two-dot white gold twin-lock crown, which has achieved a warm color from age.”
  • “The era-correct 18K white gold Rolex 8385 President bracelet dates slightly later than the watch”

Dial and Hands

The dial is a blue vignette-style lacquered surface, described by the source as a Stella-type dial. It features diamond hour markers, with baguette-cut diamonds specifically positioned at the 6 and 9 o'clock indices. The hands and the circular tritium lume plots exhibit a cream patina.

The auction description reports the dial is in original condition with a minor, non-visible delamination spot near the day window. The date wheel utilizes open-style 6 and 9 numerals. UV light inspection of the hands and luminous plots shows no degradation.

Evidence for this section
  • “The stunningly gorgeous and original blue vignette "Stella" lacquered dial with factory diamond markers is virtually flawless”
  • “The tritium lume plots have achieved a lovely cream patina and exhibit no degradation when inspected under UV light.”
  • “The date wheel is original with "open" 6's and 9's.”

Condition and Maintenance

The watch has undergone recent service and is reported by the vendor to maintain accurate time. The internal movement provides both day and date indication functionality. There is no evidence of degradation on the original tritium luminous material on either the hands or the dial.

The diamond markers have been inspected for clarity and are identified as original factory components. The watch is sold as a standalone item without any additional accessories, papers, or original packaging.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time perfectly”
  • “The diamond markers have been inspected for their clarity and remain original to the watch.”
  • “The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly and show no degradation under UV light inspection.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production date within 1981 associated with the serial number 65XXXXX?
  • Is there further documentation regarding the specific production timeframe of the 'era-correct' 8385 bracelet?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 1981 Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18039
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference18039“Model 18039”
Date1981“1981 Rolex Day-Date”
Material18K White Gold“Material 18K White Gold”
Case Size36mm“Millimeters 36”
BraceletRolex 8385 18K WG President Bracelet“Strap Rolex 8385 18K WG President Bracelet”
DialBlue Vignette with factory diamonds“Dial Blue Vignette W/ Factory Diamonds”
Serial65XXXXX“Serial 65XXXXX”

Visible details

  • Blue vignette lacquered dial finish
  • Cream patina on tritium luminous plots
  • Date wheel with open 6 and 9 numerals
  • 18K white gold fluted bezel

Research qualifications

  • The exact month and day of production within 1981 are not provided.
  • Bracelet age is described as dating slightly later than the watch head.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت Rolex Day-Date 18K WG (Ref. 18039) با صفحه آبی Vignette و الماس

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 8bc3413de1

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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