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Rolex Day-Date 18038 Lapis Lazuli

Used () | Year of production 1979 | No original box | No original papers
RM180,128
+ RM134 insured shipping within:
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  • Return policy determined by the dealer

Shipping and Seller Information

Item is in stock
Anticipated delivery: 22/01 - 28/01
Professional dealer
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More About This Listing

Basic Info
Listing code LPG0I5
Brand Rolex
Model Day-Date
Movement Automatic
Case material Yellow gold
Bracelet material Yellow gold
Year of production 1979
Condition

The item shows minor signs of wear, such as small, intangible scratches.
Scope of delivery
No original box, no original papers
Gender Men's watch/Unisex
Location Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
Price $39,000 (= RM180,128)
Availability Item is in stock

Caliber
Movement Automatic

Case
Case material Yellow gold
Dial Blue

Bracelet/strap
Bracelet material Yellow gold

Description
A legendary timepiece with iconic history, the Rolex Day-Date has earned the title of the "Watch of Prestige" for very good reasons. Unveiled in 1956, it swiftly became the preferred choice for athletes, visionaries, and global leaders, leading to its enduring moniker 'the President.' This nickname persists even today, as the watch continues to serve as Rolex's flagship offering.

Released in 1977, the Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038 introduced several upgrades that positioned it ahead of the competition. Among these enhancements were a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a notable improvement over the previous plastic acrylic, and the "single quick" date set function. This innovation allowed the watch to rapidly cycle through the date without the need to backtrack, a step forward enabled by Rolex's new self-winding movement, the Rolex Cal. 3055.

Crafted from solid 18-carat yellow gold, this Ref. 18038 features the signature three-piece link "Presidential" bracelet and the classic 36mm case adorned with a fluted yellow gold bezel. While those aspects are to be expected of a Day-Date, its stunning blue lapis lazuli dial is far from ordinary and sets this timepiece aside as one of the most stunning variants of the Ref. 18038 you can get.

Notably, there was a period in time between 1980 and 1990 during which Rolex conducted extensive experiments with an array of dials crafted from natural materials. Natural stones like lapis lazuli, malachite, and onyx gained recognition and collector's desire due to their limited production numbers. Famed for their mesmerizing deep blue tones and golden shimmer, lapis lazuli dials have become one of the most sought-after dial variants that Rolex has ever produced. Deriving golden sparkles thanks to the pyrite contained within this naturally occurring stone, lapis lazuli just so happens to be the perfect dial to set the Ref. 18038 aside as one of the best-looking yellow gold Day-Dates on the market today.

When it comes to a piece like this, words can hardly capture the depth and beauty of the dial, so I'll allow the images to speak for themselves.

CONDITION REPORT

This Rolex Day-Date 18038 Lapis Lazuli is in good condition. The 18-carat yellow gold case has minor marks throughout consistent for a watch of this age. It remains thick with even, squared-off lugs. The serial numbers between the lugs are deep and visible and the inside of the case back is signed.

Moving on to the dial, although they may not be apparent in photographs or to the unaided eye, there are some slight hairline cracks, notably located above and below the day indicator frame and also around the 7 o'clock position. It should also be noted that this is fairly typical for stone dials of this age.

The luminous material as seen on the hands here has aged evenly, acquiring a pleasing creamy patina over time. However, it's worth noting that there is some slight cracking and loss of lume on the minute hand. The spring bars used here are not original but its ‘8385’ Presidential bracelet is in excellent condition with only very minimal stretch.

It comes as a watch only and is in full working order.

SPECS

Brand: Rolex
Year: 1979
Model: Day-Date
Reference Number: 18038
Serial: 6217XXX
Material: 18-carat Yellow Gold
Movement: Rolex Cal. 3055, Self-Winding
Case Diameter: 36mm x 12mm (43mm Lug-to-Lug)
Lug Width: 20mm
Bracelet: Rolex ‘8385’ 18-carat Yellow Gold Presidential Bracelet with ‘55’ Curved End Links and Signed Clasp

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Escrow Service unavailable

Escrow Service unavailable

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Return policy determined by the dealer

Return policy determined by the dealer

Please note that this dealer has their own return policy.

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Seller

S.Song Ltd.
Professional dealer | On Chrono24 since 2017
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
64 watches sold
89 active listings
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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