Brand: Rolex
Model: Day-Date
Reference: 18038
Year: 1980
Serial number: 6263XXX
Material: 18 carat yellow gold
bracelet: 18 carat yellow gold
diameter: 36 Millimeter
condition: very good
box&papers: no
Description: Unpolished early 18038 Day-Date with a so-called “thick case” case and a very rare “Lemon Baguette Diamond string” dial.
The case of this early 18038 is super cool. For a short period of time, Rolex gave its Day-Dates a special case shape, known as the so-called “thick case” version among collectors because it is significantly thicker than later versions. A “thick case” version can be recognized if it is unpolished, as witht his watch, by the wide gap between the bezel and the crown. Here you have to see the case clearly, then it is a “thick case” version. As already written, the case is unpolished and super thick. The watch has been worn throughout its life and therefore has signs of wear and also a slight shirt polish. Personally, I think the case has a wonderful charm and is a great mix of presence and vintage.
Another highlight of this Day-Date is the dial. This is a “Lemon Baguette Diamond string” dial. Early Day-Dates like this 18038 had a special dial color, which we collectors call lemon. The reason is that, unlike later versions, the dial is not gold in color, but rather a lemon tone. This means it shows a subtle but present contrast to the case. Diamond string is the collector’s term for a closed circle of gemstones or diamonds on the dial. Many can be found with sapphires etc., but a full circle of diamonds and baguette stones is very rare.
The tritium hands are in very good condition with a consistent patina to the dial.
The bezel is razor sharp and unpolished. The watch as been worn for a very long time with a diamond bezel and the original bezel remained well stored in the safe. Therefore, it appears wonderfully sharp, which creates a great contrast to the worn case.
The 8385 President bracelet is in top condition. It had stretch and has been perfectly prepared by our expert. Therefore it shows almost no signs of wear, no stretch and with clasp code E for 1980 it is the original bracelet for the watch.
Conclusion: Rare and beautiful Day-Date in top condition.
