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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch

Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038

Partially verified

This Rolex Day-Date wristwatch, referenced 18038, dates to approximately 1983. It is a 'quickset' model characterized by a yellow gold case and matching 'President' bracelet featuring a hidden clasp. The watch displays a matte blue-purple dial with applied yellow gold Roman numeral indices and a cyclops lens over the date aperture. The movement is enclosed in a case that has been previously lightly polished while retaining its original lug geometry. Tritium luminous plots are present at the hour markers, exhibiting some wear. The watch is sold with its original punched documentation. The design includes the day of the week displayed at the 12 o'clock position and the date at 3 o'clock. The construction utilizes yellow gold, with indices that are intended to contrast with the blue-toned dial, which is described as reminiscent of a 'Buckley' dial variation.

Front view of the Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038, featuring the matte blue-purple dial and yellow gold President bracelet.
Front view of the Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038, featuring the matte blue-purple dial and yellow gold President bracelet. — Oliver & Clarke. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
oliverandclarke.com
Category
Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
18038
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1983
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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 Construction

The watch is housed in a yellow gold case described as being in strong condition. While the auction description reports that the case has undergone light polishing in the past, it retains its original lug symmetry and profile. A singular small impression is noted on the bottom left lug.

The dial is a matte finish with a color that varies between blue and purple. It is appointed with applied yellow gold Roman numeral hour indices. Peripheral Tritium luminous plots are present, though the 10 o'clock marker exhibits some minor material loss. Faint oxidation is visible on the 4 o'clock index.

Evidence for this section
  • “strong case that has seen a light polishing at a previous time, retaining thick, symmetrical lugs”
  • “only one small impression on the bottom left lug profile”
  • “The dial itself straddles a line between a shade of blue and purple and features applied yellow gold 'Roman' indices”
  • “The Tritium plots show even patina throughout, with the 10 o'clock location exhibiting minor loss.”

Movement and Functionality

This specific example is categorized as a 'quickset' model, distinguishing it from earlier iterations of the Day-Date reference series. This functionality allows for the independent adjustment of the calendar displays.

The watch features the standard Day-Date layout, including a day display at the 12 o'clock position and the date at the 3 o'clock position, magnified by the characteristic cyclops lens.

Evidence for this section
  • “This Reference 18038 from circa 1983 is a 'quickset' example”

Bracelet and Provenance

The watch is fitted with a solid gold 'President' bracelet, matching the gold composition of the case. It incorporates a hidden clasp mechanism, which is noted for its desirability within this watch series.

Included with the purchase are the original punched papers, which certify the watch to the year 1983.

Evidence for this section
  • “solid gold bracelet (called a 'President' bracelet), like the example that we have here.”
  • “features the desirable 'hidden' clasp.”
  • “this piece is accompanied by its punched papers dating to 1983.”

Open research questions

  • Is the specific matte blue/purple dial finish an original factory variant or a result of aging?
  • Can the serial number be provided to confirm the specific production year within the circa 1983 window?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“Rolex Day-Date”
Reference18038“Reference 18038”
Datecirca 1983“circa 1983”
Case featuresLightly polished, retains thick lugs“strong case that has seen a light polishing at a previous time, retaining thick, symmetrical lugs”
Dial featuresApplied yellow gold Roman indices“features applied yellow gold 'Roman' indices”
Included accessoriesPunched papers“accompanied by its punched papers dating to 1983”

Visible details

  • Matte dial with color tone shifting between blue and purple
  • Fluted gold bezel with cyclops lens over the date window
  • President-style bracelet with hidden clasp
  • Applied gold Roman numeral indices with peripheral Tritium plots

Research qualifications

  • The auction description reports the watch has seen light polishing at a previous time
  • The auction description reports minor Tritium loss at the 10 o'clock marker and faint oxidation on the 4 o'clock marker

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Rolex Day-Date رفرنس 18038 با صفحه رومی آبی

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 1660fbb92f

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

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