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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch

Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18238

Partially verified

This Rolex Day-Date wristwatch, identified by reference 18238 and dating to 1995, features an 18K yellow gold case measuring 36mm. The timepiece is fitted with a matching 18K yellow gold Rolex 8385 President bracelet. The dial is a glossy white with applied yellow gold indices and tritium lume plots. The watch is powered by the Rolex caliber 3155, which includes a double-quickset complication for setting the day and date functions. The case is equipped with a fluted bezel.

Front view of the Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18238 showing the glossy white dial, fluted bezel, and President bracelet.
Front view of the Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18238 showing the glossy white dial, fluted bezel, and President bracelet. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
18238
Catalogue / lot identifier
RLXDD18238-5
Source-reported date
1995
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
W5XXXXX

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 watch is housed in an 18K yellow gold Oyster case with a 36mm diameter. It features a fluted bezel in matching 18K gold. The lugs are described as having a symmetrical presence with minor evidence of previous polishing. The case back is stated to retain its original geometry.

The watch is secured by a Rolex 8385 President bracelet constructed from 18K yellow gold. It contains 22 links and includes two additional links. The vendor reports that the bracelet exhibits very minor stretch and is suitable for a wrist size up to 7 inches.

Evidence for this section
  • “The impressive 18K yellow gold case features very thick lugs that are symmetrical in presence, with signs of light use present and nominal evidence of previous polishing.”
  • “The original Rolex 8385 18K yellow gold President bracelet retains 22 links that show very minor stretch and will fit up to a 7-inch wrist.”

Dial and Hands

The dial is finished in a glossy white. It is marked with applied baton-style hour markers and features the Rolex coronet at the 12 o'clock position. The apertures for the day and date are located at 12 and 3 o'clock respectively.

The handset consists of yellow gold hands with tritium luminous inserts. The lume plots on the dial and the hands are reported to show an eggshell patina. Inspection under UV light reportedly shows no degradation of the luminous material on either the dial or the hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “The beautiful, classic, and refined glossy white dial is virtually flawless, exhibiting no age or damage.”
  • “The tritium lume plots feature a subtle eggshell patina and display no degradation when inspected under UV light.”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is driven by the Rolex caliber 3155 self-winding movement, introduced by the brand in 1988. This movement incorporates a double-quickset complication, allowing for independent adjustment of both the day and date indications.

Operation of the quickset feature is performed via the crown in the second position. Rotating the crown clockwise adjusts the date, while counterclockwise rotation adjusts the day.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rolex introduced the cal. 3155 in 1988, this movement featured an updated double-quickset complication allowing the user to set both the day and date complications quickly.”
  • “While in position two of the crown, rotating the crown clockwise with promptly change the date, while counterclockwise will quickly change the day.”

Open research questions

  • Does the full serial number correspond to a specific 1995 production batch?
  • What is the exact service history of the movement prior to its inclusion in this sale?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18238
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Date1995“1995 Rolex Day-Date”
MovementCaliber 3155“Rolex introduced the cal. 3155 in 1988”
BraceletRolex 8385 President“Rolex 8385 18K YG President Bracelet”

Visible details

  • Glossy white dial with applied indices
  • 18K yellow gold fluted bezel
  • Double-quickset day and date functionality
  • Tritium lume plots exhibit eggshell patina

Research qualifications

  • Exact serial number is masked by vendor as W5XXXXX
  • Potential minor stretch to bracelet as noted in the auction description

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Rolex Day-Date طلای زرد ۱۸ عیار رفرنس 18238

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 7e414bf1a5

Terms in this record

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

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