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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch

Rolex Day-Date 18238 with 'Pleiades' Diamond Dial

Partially verified

This Rolex Day-Date wristwatch, reference 18238, is a self-winding timepiece with a 36mm yellow gold case and a matching yellow gold fluted bezel. The watch is distinguished by its 'Pleiades' dial, a gold-colored surface set with diamonds arranged in two distinct patterns. The movement is a double quick-set automatic caliber. The watch includes an English-language day disc and a date aperture positioned under a cyclops lens. It is mounted on a brown leather strap secured by an original Rolex plaque buckle. According to the provided serial number, W741xxx, the watch dates to 1995. The auction description notes that the movement has been serviced, and the case retains its original profile with clear definition to the fluted bezel and lugs. It is accompanied by a handmade leather watch pouch.

Rolex Day-Date 18238 showing the yellow gold case, fluted bezel, and diamond-set Pleiades dial.
Rolex Day-Date 18238 showing the yellow gold case, fluted bezel, and diamond-set Pleiades dial. — Bulang & Sons. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bulangandsons.com
Category
Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
18238
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1995
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
W741xxx

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 Dial Configuration

The watch features a 36mm yellow gold case paired with a yellow gold fluted bezel. The case construction includes brushed-finish lugs and a polished mid-case. The winding crown is positioned on the side, bearing the Rolex crown emblem.

The dial is a gold-colored, diamond-set variety known as the 'Pleiades'. It features two distinct diamond settings arranged across the surface. An English day-of-the-week aperture is positioned at the 12 o'clock marker, while the date is displayed through an aperture at 3 o'clock, magnified by a cyclops lens integrated into the crystal.

Evidence for this section
  • “- 36mm yellow gold case”
  • “- Yellow gold fluted bezel”
  • “Rare diamond set "Pleiades" dial”
  • “This watch has an English day disc”

Movement and Functionality

The internal mechanism is a double quick-set automatic movement. This function allows for the independent adjustment of both the date and the day apertures without needing to advance the time manually through 24-hour cycles. This movement was serviced by the vendor's watchmaker.

The watch provides standard timekeeping functions including hours, minutes, and central seconds, alongside the dual calendar display. The service performed ensures the mechanical reliability of the timekeeping and calendar functions.

Evidence for this section
  • “- Double quick-set movement”
  • “the double quick-set automatic movement has been fully serviced by our watchmaker”

Provenance and Condition

The provided serial number W741xxx places the manufacture date of the watch to 1995.

Regarding the physical state, the auction description notes that the case remains thick with defined edges, and the fluted bezel retains its original texture. The watch is presented on a leather strap sourced from Bulang and Sons, equipped with an original Rolex plaque buckle.

Evidence for this section
  • “- Serial W741xxx dating to 1995”
  • “The case remains thick and sharp with nice even lugs and the fluted bezel still has good definition.”
  • “The watch will come on the pictured Bulang and Sons leather strap that is fitted with an original Rolex plaque buckle.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production timeframe for the 'Pleiades' diamond dial option within the 18238 series?
  • Is the 'Pleiades' dial design documented in official Rolex factory archives or catalogs from the 1990s?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Day-Date 18238 with 'Pleiades' Diamond Dial
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“Vendor: Rolex”
Reference number18238“- Reference 18238”
Serial numberW741xxx“- Serial W741xxx dating to 1995”
Date of production1995“- Serial W741xxx dating to 1995”
Case materialYellow gold“- 36mm yellow gold case”
Movement typeDouble quick-set automatic“- Double quick-set movement”
Dial descriptionPleiades diamond set dial“Rare diamond set "Pleiades" dial”

Visible details

  • Cyclops lens over the date aperture at the 3 o'clock position
  • Fluted bezel with yellow gold finish
  • Brushed finish on the upper surfaces of the lugs
  • Rolex coronet logo on the winding crown

Research qualifications

  • The 'Pleiades' name is a market designation for the dial configuration, not an official Rolex reference name
  • The strap is a replacement and not the original Rolex factory bracelet

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Rolex Day-Date 18238 با صفحه الماس Pleiades

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 0c4a7531df

Terms in this record

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

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