A fantastic and highly collectable Rolex Day-Date reference 18038 made in 1986. 18k yellow gold. Self-winding Rolex cal.3055 movement. Hardstone Lapis Lazuli dial without indices, straight gold hands. Mounted on its original Rolex President bracelet ref.8385 in 18k gold with clasp code J dating to late 1985.

How can someone find rarity in watches that have sold in hundred thousand numbers overtime? That’s a question most Rolex collectors have asked themselves along the way. The answer lies in the immense configurations possible at Rolex. From bezels to dials the rarity of your day-date example can vary from a percent of the overall production to a fraction of that last percent. At the top of rarity, you will find special gem-set bezels and dials, stella dials and finally hardstone dials. These were much more costly at the time and not as popular which resulted in very low production numbers.

Now you see where this is heading. This 18038 with Lapis Lazuli dial (in its purest expression, without indices) is a true collector, an item that collectors hold on to when they have a chance to acquire one which causes its rarity to even increase. Cherry on the cake? It’s a stunning watch to wear, the hardstone dial and its uniqueness (each dial is singular by nature) adds tons of depth to the watch, colors vary all along the day and depending on the light, yellow, dark, blue accents pop up unexpected. This is probably one of the most beautiful dials ever conceived and it pairs extremely well with yellow gold.

By now you should know that this watch offered here is a rare opportunity to step up your Rolex game. So don’t miss it ;).

Sapphire glass – 36mm diameter w/o crown – 20mm bracelet width.

Condition report:

• Dial – The dial is in stunning condition, two very light cracks around 12 stopping at the day window, unnoticeable to the naked eye.
• Case – The case is in superb condition, shows light signs of age wear, and/or scratches, has been lightly polished in the past.
• Movement – The movement is in very good condition.
• Bracelet – The bracelet is in very good condition, light stretch, 22 links, will fit medium/large wrists.
• Overall – The watch is in superb condition.