The Rolex Day-Date is an icon, not only within Rolex’s history but the history of the wristwatch itself. Introduced in 1956 as the first waterproof automatic chronometer watch to also offer the “Day” and the “Date” to the wearer, the model was remarkably innovative for its time, and it is no surprise that the model is still one of the most popular Rolex’s to this day. At 36mm, this now-vintage Day-Date is a wonderful size, and suits both male and female wrists alike. Modern watchmaking was always going to get a grasp of the Day-Date, which is why we now see modern Day-Date’s being offered in 40mm. However, the fact that Rolex continue to offer the watch in the original 36mm size showcase what a truly fantastic size this watch really is. The self-winding calibre 3155 was introduced within the Day-Date in 1988, just one year before this model left the factory, making it one of the earliest Day-Date’s to feature the newly-updated movement to that within the previous reference, ref. 18038. Differing from its predecessor, the 3155 allowed the wearer to set both the day and the date by the crown separately, rather than the previous movement which was a single quickset system for both functions. Featuring an entirely gold case and bracelet, the watch is topped off with its Rolex-recognised yellow gold fluted bezel, which once had a mechanical tool use to it, yet remains to this day for its aesthetic purposes. Show cased on the example here is the absolutely stunning and very rare wood dial, which separates the watch from your more traditional Champagne dial or other coloured offerings. The aged-gold hour marker batons, aperture surrounds and hands make for a special combination. The Day-Date model in general was frequently spotted on the wrist by a number of US Presidents over the years, which comes to no surprise given the watch’s classy presence on the wrist, as well as its instantly recognisable appearance.

Condition Report:

In extremely well preserved condition, this overall offering of this full set vintage Day-Date is a mightily impressive one. Usually, watches of this age have been worn frequently over their lifetimes, and as such, the hollow-link bracelet becomes very worn and obviously unstable. However, the bracelet on this 18238 is incredibly stiff, and shows almost no signs of wear. The clasp mechanism remains tight and secure, and there exists no major deep scratches anywhere on the watch’s bracelet or case. Looking at the case and bezel, there is little signs of wear and the lugs remain razor sharp with their bracelet-angled brush on them, and the bezel retains its fluted aesthetic. Accompanying the watch and rather remarkably for a watch of its age, are its entirety of accessories and its original box. Retaining all of its instruction and model booklets, as well as its punched papers, the watch has its full set of spare links and in today’s market, it is becoming incredibly hard to find such a complete example as this.

• Year: 1989

• Reference Number: 18238

• Material: Yellow Gold

• Size: 36mm

• Movement: Automatic Calibre 3155

• Waterproof: 100m

• Box Information: Original Box

• Extras: Original Certificate

• Strap: Yellow Gold Bracelet