Brand: Rolex
Modell: Day-Date
Reference: 18038
year: 1978
Serial number: 5905XXX
Material: 18 carat yellow gold
bracelet: 18 carat yellow gold
diameter: 36 Millimeter
condition: very good
box&papers: no
Outstanding Day-Date with super rare black lacquer “string baguette” dial.
The case is in great condition. This is the demanded “thick case” variant which means the case is significantly thicker than the later 18038 or 18238. This case variant has only been installed for a relatively short period of time and gives the watch a much greater presence on the wrist.
As I said, the condition is great. Once gently polished in the past it shows full lugs, sharp edges and a fine matt finish on the top of the case. There are signs of wear, but no deep scratches, dents, or anything like that.
The highlight of the watch is the super rare black lacquer dial with a so-called “string baguette” trimming. The dial is black and not in the usual matt look, but in a glossy finish. These dials are not classic Stella dials, but are made using a similar process and show a wonderful depth of colour.
Furthermore, the diamond setting in the so-called “string baguette” style is another special feature. String because the smaller brilliant-cut diamonds are arranged in a circle. These brilliants are followed by baguette diamonds and this is where the name “string baguette” comes from.
Furthermore, it is also a “big lume” dial with significantly larger tritium dots than in later versions.
The tritium hands are, just as the dial, in top condition.
The bezel is wonderfully sharp and shows minor signs of wear.
The 8385 President bracelet is great. It shows light stretch and slight signs of wear identical to the case. 23 links make it wonderfully wearable even for thicker wrists and with clasp code C for 1978 it is the original bracelet to the watch.
Conclusion: A beauty with rare features that will be extremely difficult to find a second time. I especially love the contrast between the black dial, the gold and the subtle accents of the diamonds.
