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1986 Rolex Day-Date 18038 - 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Dial

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Details
The Definitive Statement Piece
The Day-Date 18038 is a foundational reference for Rolex. It modernized the classic "President" while retaining the 36mm proportions that have become a standard. This is the watch that defined a generation of success, and the combination of solid 18-karat yellow gold with a champagne diamond dial makes it a quintessential version of a legendary model.
A Complete Set From The Mid Eighties
What elevates this example is the presence of its original papers. For a watch of this era, the accompanying documentation adds a significant layer of provenance and collector value. It confirms the watch's origins and provides a tangible link back to its point of sale in 1986, creating a more complete collector's set.
A Well Preserved Gold Standard
The watch is in very good condition. The 18-karat yellow gold case appears unpolished, with sharp lines on the fluted bezel and honest wear consistent with a piece from the mid-1980s. The champagne diamond dial is clean and presents beautifully. The President bracelet has some stretch consistent with its age but remains structurally solid and comfortable on the wrist. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear.
The Original Symbol Of Success
This is the watch for someone who understands and appreciates the benchmark. The Day-Date is not a trend, it is a permanent fixture in luxury. The combination of solid gold, a classic 36mm case, and the added prestige of a diamond dial creates a presence that is confident without being overstated. It remains one of the most recognizable and respected watches in the world for a reason.
Key Specs
Reference: 18038
Model: Day-Date 36
Year: 1986
Movement: Automatic
Case Size: 36mm
Bezel: Fluted
Bracelet: President
Bracelet Length: Fits up to 6.75in
Dial: Champagne Diamond
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold
Weight: 130g
Includes: Original Rolex Warranty Papers
SKU: 1245
Vintage 1986 Rolex Day-Date 18038 18K YG Champagne Diamond Dial Auto 36mm
1986 Rolex Day-Date 18038 - 18K Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Dial Sale price$22,500.00 USD

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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

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