Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Day-Date quartz wristwatch

Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date Ref. 19018

Partially verified

This Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date, identified as reference 19018, dates to circa 1978. It features a solid gold construction, including the case and integrated bracelet. The dial is finished in a sunburst champagne tone, featuring applied indices and both day and date apertures. The watch is powered by a quartz movement, a model line developed by Rolex as part of the Oysterquartz range during the 1970s. The external design is characterized by an angular aesthetic and a fluted yellow gold bezel. The dial also includes Tritium plots and a matching handset. The timepiece is accompanied by its inner and outer boxes, booklets, and documentation. The auction description reports the watch is in good condition, noting factory finishing on the case and bracelet, with normal signs of wear present.

Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date reference 19018 in solid gold with integrated bracelet and champagne sunburst dial.
Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date reference 19018 in solid gold with integrated bracelet and champagne sunburst dial. — Oliver & Clarke. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
oliverandclarke.com
Category
Wristwatch · Day-Date quartz wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
19018
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1978
Source-reported place
Not established

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

The watch is constructed from solid gold, featuring a fluted yellow gold bezel which retains original factory finishing. The case is equipped with an integrated bracelet of matching gold construction.

The dial is finished in a sunburst champagne tone, incorporating applied indices and the designated day and date apertures. The handset matches the dial markers, and the luminescent elements consist of Tritium plots. The auction description reports that the dial surface is crisp and vibrant, showing no signs of damage or wear.

Evidence for this section
  • “constructed out of solid gold”
  • “characteristic 'fluted' yellow gold bezel”
  • “sunburst champagne dial with applied indices and both day and date apertures”
  • “Tritium plots are evenly patinated”

Movement and Development

The timepiece utilizes a quartz movement, consistent with the Rolex Oysterquartz product line. This development represented a strategic move by Rolex during the 1970s in response to changing market dynamics in the watch industry.

The Oysterquartz range was created to integrate quartz technology into the manufacturer's established model line names, such as the Day-Date. This specific series was produced for a limited duration, contributing to its current classification within the company's manufacturing history.

Evidence for this section
  • “quartz movement inside”
  • “Rolex responded by producing their own version of the quartz watch called it the Oysterquartz”
  • “utilized existing cornerstone model names to denote specific models with the Oysterquartz range, such as the Datejust and Day-Date”

Provenance and Accompanying Material

This watch is sold accompanied by its original presentation materials. These include the inner and outer boxes, as well as the manufacturer's booklets and papers provided at the time of the watch's distribution.

The auction description reports that the object shows normal signs of wear throughout the case and integrated bracelet while retaining visible factory finishing.

Evidence for this section
  • “accompanied by its inner ad outer boxes, booklets, and papers”
  • “case and integrated bracelet are in fantastic overall condition and showing normal signs of wear throughout with visible factory finishing”

Open research questions

  • What specific quartz caliber is fitted within this 19018 reference?
  • Are there any specific markings on the papers that confirm the original date of retail?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date Ref. 19018
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference19018“Ref. 19018”
Datecirca 1978“dating to circa 1978”
Materialsolid gold“constructed out of solid gold”
Dialsunburst champagne“sunburst champagne dial”
LuminescenceTritium“The Tritium plots are evenly patinated”

Visible details

  • Integrated bracelet design
  • Fluted yellow gold bezel
  • Day and date apertures
  • Sunburst champagne dial finish

Research qualifications

  • Movement caliber not specified
  • Precise production date unverified beyond circa 1978

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

Consulted source

Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date Ref. 19018 - Sunburst Champagne Dial W/ Box & Papers

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record bc9438d7f5

Terms in this record

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