Iconic, prestigious, and beautifully individual, this Rolex Day-Date 36 Ref. 18038 is a superb vintage example dating to 1987, crafted in solid 18ct yellow gold and featuring a particularly characterful original dial.

Originally finished as a blue sunray dial, decades of natural ageing have transformed its colour into a distinctive grey tone. Subtle traces of the original blue remain within the finish, creating a unique patina that could only develop naturally over time and giving this particular watch an individuality that cannot be replicated on a modern example.

The dial retains its period “T SWISS MADE T” marking, denoting the use of tritium luminous material associated with Rolex watches of this era and further contributing to its authentic vintage character.

Introduced as Rolex’s flagship calendar watch, the Day-Date displays both the date and the day of the week written in full across the dial. The traditional 36mm Oyster case is paired with an 18ct yellow gold fluted bezel, giving the watch the unmistakable presence associated with the model.

Powered by the automatic Rolex Calibre 3055, this generation of Day-Date introduced the convenient quickset date function, allowing the date to be adjusted independently and making it particularly practical for regular wear.

This example is accompanied by strong period documentation, including its Certificate of Authenticity dated 1987, manuals and Rolex leather card holder. It is also supplied with a genuine Rolex presentation box and genuine Rolex cushion, although the cushion is not original to this individual watch due to the original cushion disintegrating over time.

What’s Included

• Rolex presentation box
• Genuine Rolex cushion - not original to this individual watch
• Certificate of Authenticity, dated 1987
• Rolex manuals
• Rolex leather card holder
• Recent pressure test
• Fully authenticated and Watch Register checked
• 12-month Dobson Fine Jewellery mechanical service warranty

Specifications

Brand: Rolex
Model: Day-Date 36
Reference: 18038
Year: 1987
Case Size: 36mm
Case Material: Solid 18ct Yellow Gold
Dial: Original Blue Sunray Dial, Naturally Patinated to Grey
Dial Marking: T SWISS MADE T
Luminous Material: Tritium Period Specification
Bezel: 18ct Yellow Gold Fluted Bezel
Movement: Automatic, Rolex Calibre 3055
Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date and Full Day Display
Water Resistance: Recently Pressure Tested

Condition

Presented in excellent vintage pre-owned condition, with the solid 18ct yellow gold case and fluted bezel remaining beautifully presented for a watch approaching four decades old.

The standout feature is undoubtedly the original blue sunray dial, which has naturally developed a distinctive grey patina with age. Rather than detracting from the watch, this gives the piece considerable vintage character and makes the appearance of this individual example genuinely unique.

The dial retains its period-correct T SWISS MADE T marking, while the watch has recently passed a pressure test and is supplied with its 1987 Certificate of Authenticity, manuals, leather card holder and genuine Rolex presentation box.

A highly characterful example of the Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038, combining solid-gold construction, strong period provenance and a beautifully aged original dial.