Rolex
Day-Date ‘Arabic Calendar’, Reference 18038 | A yellow gold and diamond-set wristwatch with Arabic day, date and bracelet | Circa 1984
Auction Closed
November 9, 12:39 PM GMT
Estimate
15,000 - 35,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
Dial: champagne, diamond-set
Calibre: cal. 3055 automatic, 27 jewels
Case: 18k yellow gold, screw-down case back
Case number: 8’601’619
Closure: 18k yellow gold Rolex President bracelet and folding clasp
Size: 36 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 185 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: yes
Accessories: Rolex warranty, document holder and presentation case with outer packaging
The Rolex Day-Date reference 18038 was introduced in 1977, propelling the legendary wristwatch into the next generation.
The newly introduced 5-digit reference was an early adopter of the sapphire crystal, conferring the watch with a modern feel and look.
The calibre 3055, fifth iteration of the Day-Date movement, introduced the quick-set function for the date setting.
The popularity of the 18038 among collectors is explained not only on its reliability but also on the endless dial configurations.
This present example presents an extremely well-preserved case with strong lugs and still bearing its green sticker on the caseback. The gold case and bracelet have acquired with a warm patina over time, demonstrating its extremely limited use.
The watch, with well-preserved lume plots, is fitted with a rarely seen dial displaying two raws of diamonds with a third one at 6 and 9 o'clock. Finally, it features the day and date in Arabic, adding an additional level of desirability to this most attractive example.