1985 Rolex Day-Date 18038 - Yellow Gold Black Diamond Dial
A Higher Tier Of The Single Quickset President
The 18038 represents a major technical leap for the Day-Date, introducing the sapphire crystal and the caliber 3055 movement which allowed for the convenience of a quickset date. While most gold Presidents from 1985 are found with champagne dials, this example features a factory black diamond dial. The deep black lacquer provides a sharp, high-contrast backdrop that makes the 18K yellow gold case and diamond markers really pop. It's a configuration that feels more aggressive and intentional than the common configurations of the era.
The Definitive Statement In 18K Yellow Gold
The Day-Date has been the flagship of the Rolex catalog since 1956, but the five-digit 18038 is where the watch truly modernized. It retains the classic 36mm proportions and the hidden-clasp President bracelet that defined the "Power Watch" of the 1980s. This reference is the perfect middle ground for a collector who wants the vintage soul of a 36mm gold Rolex but requires the daily practicality of a scratch-resistant crystal and a more robust internal architecture.
Exceptional Case Integrity And Dial Preservation
The condition of this piece is very good for its age. The 18K yellow gold case is in fantastic shape, retaining thick lugs and a crisp, well-defined fluted bezel. The black diamond dial is perfect, with no spotting or degradation to the lacquer finish.The President bracelet shows only light stretch, remaining in very good condition with a solid feel on the wrist. Mechanically, the watch is running strong after passing our test bench.
A Serious Modern Vintage Asset
This is for the person who wants a gold Rolex that doesn't look like everyone else's. The black diamond dial moves the watch away from the "standard" President look and into a more curated, collector-grade space. It works because it combines the most recognizable watch silhouette in history with a dial color that is genuinely uncommon.
At Danny's Vintage Watches, we rigorously authenticate and inspect every watch to guarantee both its authenticity and exceptional quality. Your complete satisfaction is our utmost priority. We are dedicated to guiding you to the ideal timepiece that meets your desires. Should you have any inquiries, our team is ready to provide swift and comprehensive assistance.
Our Guarantee:
- Each timepiece is thoroughly evaluated, authenticated, and approved by our expert team before it is offered for sale.
- We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise stated.
- The authenticity of each watch is guaranteed in perpetuity.
To get in contact directly with the team send us a text for the quickest response! 917-887-1584
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Payments
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Shipping
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What Our Clients Say About Us
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)
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.
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….
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!!!