On Hold / Reserved
18039 Day-Date (thick case version / unpolished and perfect / gray diamond dial)
20.400,00 €
Brand: Rolex
Model: Day-Date
Reference: 18039
Year: 1980
Serial number: 6515XXX
Material: 18 carat white gold
bracelet: 18 carat white gold
Diameter: 36 Millimeter
Condition: very good
Box&Papers: no
Description:Exceptionally well-preserved 18039 white gold Day-Date with a “THICK CASE” and a stunning gray diamond dial.
The case is in excellent unpolished condition. This watch features the thick case version which Rolex used for a short time in the early 1980s and, as you might expect, is characterized by a significantly thicker case. This gives the watch additional presence on the wrist and makes it appear a few millimeters larger.
Condition, as mentioned, is unpolished. Full, thick lugs, super-sharp edges, and a perfect matte finish on the top of the case. There are light signs of wear and the bezel is super-sharp and top-notch as well.
The gray diamond dial is a perfect match for the excellent condition of the case. It’s visually perfect, and the slightly darker gray creates a stunning contrast with the white gold case. Two other things are relevant and rare here. The dial is a T Swiss T-marked dial. This is important, as an early Day-Date would normally have one, and it’s the “BIG LUME” version, meaning the lume material has been applied much more extensively. That is very rare and when the lume material has acquired a great patina, as it has here, it’s an incredibly cool feature on a dial.
The dial, typical of watches of this era, has a slight discoloration around the 1 o’clock index toward the edge. It’s not visible in person, and even we only noticed it after checking it three times with a loupe.
The sapphire crystal was damaged upon purchase, so we replaced it with a brand-new one with a laser-cut crown.
The 8385 President bracelet is, just as the watch, a highlight. Take a look at the picture showing the stretch of it. Almost no stretch, light superficial signs of wear, a fully intact crown on the clasp, and a full 24 links. As befits a highlight, the President bracelet is, of course, original to the watch, with clasp code E for 1980.
Conclusion: Anyone who knows me, knows about my love for day dates. Anyone who considers that I have honestly been thinking about keeping this watch for two weeks, knows about its quality. But I can’t keep them all 😉
