Rolex
Ref. 18238
A rare and highly attractive yellow gold wristwatch with day and date apertures, onyx hardstone dial, bracelet, guarantee, and presentation box
Manufacturer : Rolex
Year : Circa 1995
Reference No : 18238
Movement No : 5’218’896
Case No : W’170’174; inside caseback further stamped 18200
Model Name : Day-Date
Material : 18K yellow gold
Calibre : Automatic, cal. 3155, 31 jewels
Bracelet/Strap : 18K yellow gold Rolex President bracelet, endlinks stamped 53B, max overall length 220mm
Clasp/Buckle : 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp, reference 8385, stamped ‘O1
Dimensions : 36mm Diameter
Signed : Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed
Accessories : Accompanied by Rolex punched guarantee paper dated September 1995, product literature, Rolex Day-Date pamphlet, leather folio, polishing cloth, wax hangtag, fitted presentation box, and outer box. Further accompanied by Rolex service pouch, presentation box and Rolex Service card Rolex’s Day-Date was the world’s first wristwatch to include the full name of the day at 12 o’clock and a date aperture at 3 o’clock. The semi-circular link bracelet, officially named “President,” is as iconic as the watch itself. The original references 6510 and 6511 were replaced by the famed reference 1803 in 1959 with a sporty 36mm diameter case, fluted bezel, and gold President bracelet, and offered in yellow, white, and rose gold, and platinum. In 1977, Rolex introduced a new generation model with the caliber 3055 with quickset date, which was upgraded again in 1988 with the caliber 3155, allowing quick set for both the date and day.
Notably, the present example is fitted with an inky black onyx hardstone dial. Onyx, a form of chalcedony with deep banded layers, is a popular stone used in jewelry and watchmaking. Historically, Roman soldiers went into battle with onyx amulets for courage in battle, engraved with the visage of the god of war, Mars. The slice of onyx used for the dial of this Day-Date is utterly flawless, with attractive gilt printing. Presented as a “full set”, complete with its original box and punched guarantee, it’s a lovely example for the connoisseur.
