page transition image
Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

1987 Rolex Day-Date 18038 President - 18K Yellow Gold Purple Sunburst Dial

Trade In
Details
An Uncommon Execution
The purple dial removes this Day-Date from a purely formal context and gives it a more personal character. It delivers all the weight and recognition of Rolex's top-of-the-line reference while standing apart from the champagne and silver dials that dominate the model line. The 18038 generation brought practical upgrades without abandoning the Day-Date's core identity, and this example pairs that functional evolution with a dial choice that makes the watch entirely its own.
Solid Gold And A Purple Dial
The Rolex Day-Date is the brand's definitive statement in precious metal. This reference pairs solid 18K yellow gold with a deep purple sunburst dial, shifting the watch's character away from traditional champagne and silver options. Featuring the classic fluted bezel and Presidential bracelet, it delivers standard Day-Date authority in an uncommon, confident color.
Top Of The Line & Well Cared For
This example was clearly well taken care of. The rare purple dial and applied gold indices look fantastic, and the fluted bezel and Presidential bracelet only show light wear. Presenting in Very Good Vintage Condition, the watch is mechanically sound and ready to wear.
The Single Quick-Set Caliber
Powered by the Rolex Caliber 3055, the reference 18038 introduced the single quick-set feature, allowing the date to advance independently via the crown for easier daily use. This generation also brought a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal to the model line, marking a key step into the modern era.
Key Specs
Reference: 18038
Model: Day-Date
Year: 1987
Era: 1980s
Movement: Automatic
Case Size: 36mm (Excluding Crown)
Bezel: Fluted 18K Yellow Gold
Bracelet: 18K Yellow Gold Presidential
Bracelet Length: 6.85in
Dial: Purple Sunburst
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold
Weight: 141.3g
SKU: 1611
Fit & Customization
We want your watch to fit the day it arrives, so its next chapter starts the moment you put it on, and that's why we offer:
  • Any two-piece strap swapped out and customized in the material, color, and length you want
  • Links added or removed on a metal bracelet
  • Integrated bracelets resized, which few dealers will take on
Contact us about the listing or your order and we'll take it from there.