Year: Circa 1996
Reference No: 18238
Movement No: 7’130’019
Case No: W’409’466
Model Name: Day-Date
Material: 18K yellow gold
Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3155, 31 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex President bracelet, end links stamped “55B”, max length 190mm
Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex concealed folding clasp stamped “8385”
Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Bucherer Switzerland dated October 1997, service invoice, instruction manual, product literature, leather card holder, hang tags, Rolex notepad with leather folio, cloth, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Embraced by collectors, the Day-Date reference 18238 offered a combination of practicality and a new array of aesthetics. Launched in 1988, the reference was the first to incorporate a double quick-set function for its day and date adjustments whilst retaining its classic good looks. The firm elevated it to the zenith by daring to include exotic materials such as rubellite, blood stone, coral, and fossil to cite a few examples, providing an unusual design twist to this already iconic watch.
The present Rolex Day-Date reference 18238 from circa 1996 features an extremely rare and desirable white cacholong dial with diamond-set indexes. Cacholong, also known as white opal, is an incredibly rare stone and to date, only a handful of examples have ever appeared on the auction market. Hardstone dials from Rolex wristwatches have always been a fan favourite due to its due colours, textures, patterns, uniqueness, and rarity. It requires extreme precision and dedication to execute such mesmerizing dial.
This rare variant of reference 18238 boast a case with clean and sharp edges and a beautiful dial that presents no cracks or fissures. Furthermore, it is accompanied by its full set of accessories heightening its collectability.