Rolex Day-Date 18238 Onyx

US$41,000.00 US$43,000.00

sale

Description

This is the Rolex Day-Date 18238. Within the Rolex line, the Day-Date is often the model that is associated with the highest level of luxury. Introduced in 1956, it was the first timepiece to display both the day and the date on the dial. The nickname, “The President”, was derived from this timepiece being gifted to then President Dwight Eisenhower and actually refers to the bracelet that accompanies the watch rather than the entire timepiece itself. Traditionally associated with prestige, the Day-Date line was produced solely in precious metals with an option of a smooth or fluted bezel.

The 18238 is often considered as a vintage reference with modern capabilities. This particular reference was introduced in 1988 with a new movement, the Calibre 3155, with the double quickset function. This was functionally a marked improvement from the previous iterations with the ability to adjust the day and the date independently. The 18238 represented the last series of the five-digit Day-Dates and was replaced by the six digit reference Day-Dates in 2000 as the brand moved into the modern era.

Besides condition, provenance and completeness, the dial is what differentiates the desirability of each individual piece. Fitted with a flawless onyx stone dial and mounted on a hidden clasp president bracelet, this is a desirable and uncommon example. Lavish and opulent with a combination of jet black on yellow gold, the Onyx Day-Date truly represents what a Rolex President should be.

Condition

This Rolex Day-Date 18238 is in very good pre-owned condition. The factory Swiss Made Onyx dial has no cracks or flaws and remains in perfect condition. The crystal is laser-etched, likely replaced during a factory service. The case remains in overall good condition and appears to have been lightly polished in the past with some oxidation due to age on the crown side. The caseback has some hairlines from prior wear but no dings and the three caseback hallmarks remain crisp and clear. The Rolex 8385 bracelet has four removable links with no stretch and is stamped with L11 which is correct for its age. The set includes the original inner and outer boxes, punched warranty papers, manuals, calendar and both red and green tags. The watch is in full working order.