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1979 Rolex Day-Date 18038 - 18K Yellow Gold Red Oxblood Stella Dial

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Details
A Statement In Red Lacquer
The Day-Date is the foundation of Rolex prestige, but the Stella dial transforms it entirely. Produced for a short period, these dials featured vibrant, high-gloss lacquer in bold colors, a stark departure from the brand's typically conservative offerings. This example, with its deep Oxblood red finish, represents one of the most desirable and sought-after variations. It takes the quintessential 18K gold power watch and injects it with a level of personality that is impossible to find in the modern catalog.
A Pure Expression Of The Era
This piece is built on the reference 18038, the first Day-Date to introduce the convenience of a single quickset date function and the durability of a sapphire crystal. The combination is potent. You get the iconic 36mm solid gold case, the fluted bezel, and the classic President bracelet, all defining features of the model. Yet, the centerpiece is the vibrant red lacquer, which creates a visual depth that shifts and plays with the light. It's a perfect fusion of 1970s confidence and timeless Rolex engineering.
Honest Gold With A Perfect Dial
The watch is in very good condition. The red Oxblood Stella dial is clean and well preserved, which is the most critical factor for any collector. The 18K yellow gold case has developed some natural oxidation and toning, a desirable trait that suggests it has remained unpolished and true to its age. The matching President bracelet is in solid shape, completing the all-gold presence on the wrist. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear.
More Than A Power Watch
A standard Day-Date is a symbol of success. A Stella Day-Date is a mark of taste. This is not a watch for someone who wants to blend in. It is for the collector who understands the rarity and importance of these special dials and has the confidence to wear a true statement piece. It maintains all the authority of the world's most recognizable luxury watch while speaking a much more interesting language.
Key Specs
Reference: 18038
Model: Day-Date
Year: 1979
Movement: Automatic
Case Size: 36mm
Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Fluted
Bracelet: 18K Yellow Gold President
Bracelet Length: Fits up to 6.75in
Dial: Red Oxblood Stella
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold
Weight: 128.9g
SKU: 1679

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Dan Young
4 months ago

I knew I was gonna like Danny, based on his name, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how great of an experience this was. He had the most beautiful 70s Seamaster Cosmic on his website and I was set to be married 2 days later - I arranged to buy it but before leaving we both realized it needed to be serviced. I panicked, because I was literally buying this for my wedding, and Danny being the legend he is, loaned me a nearly identical Seamaster to make sure I could get through the event Never have I had someone go so above and beyond for me, especially while purchasing one of the lesser priced items in their inventory. He serviced my watch and exchanged it with me after the wedding on a super fast turnaround timeline. I would sincerely recommend you visit this guy, you will not be disappointed Edit: adding a pic of the loaner (two tone) and the owner (crosshair)

Patrick Farella
5 months ago

Great service and shop. Danny and his team were incredibly accommodating, professional, and kind. Great selection of vintage watches. Their store is the hidden gem in the diamond district.

Zee06
2 months ago

This was my first real luxury watch purchase, a Rolex 15200 Date 34mm, I own Tissots and a Laco, but those are entry level luxury watches. I found Danny’s Vintage Watches online, and had great feedback both on Google, Chrono24 and the Reddit watch community. So decided to give him a shot as buying online can be a crap shoot. Ordered Monday night, was at my doorstep Friday morning. Despite the watch being over 30 years old, serial number says it’s from 91, the watch looked new. Didn’t come with box or papers, and was shipped in a plastic sleeve wrapped in bubble wrap. Danny was always available to answer questions. I’ll be buying from Danny again for the next purchase…saw a couple of Speedmasters on his site I liked….

Mohammed Islam
4 months ago

Can't recommend Danny's vintage watches enough!!! My first Omega ever and im in love have been wearing every day since I purchased it. Danny's shop is a must visit if you are in NYC looking for a watch!!!