Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Ref. 118208 with 'Concentric Circle' Arabic Dial
Luxury Dress Watch / Complication Watch · Rolex (Independent), the world's most recognized luxury watch brand. The Day-Date is their flagship 'Tier 1' status symbol.
Period: Modern Luxury (early 2000s). This reference (1182xx series) updated the classic Day-Date with more robust, high-polished lugs and a vastly improved bracelet, bridges the vintage 18038/18238 eras and the modern 40mm era.
Type
Luxury Dress Watch / Complication Watch
Brand
Rolex (Independent), the world's most recognized luxury watch brand. The Day-Date is their flagship 'Tier 1' status symbol.
Movement
Automatic, Rolex Calibre 3155. Features a 48-hour power reserve, 31 jewels, 28,800 vph, and a 'Double Quickset' function for both the day and date wheels.
Dimensions
Diameter: 36mm; Thickness: 12mm; Lug-to-lug: 43.5mm; Lug width: 20mm. This is the classic size that defines the 'President' line for most of its history.
Description
Originally launched in 1956, the Day-Date was the first watch to display the day of the week spelled out in full. In this modern 36mm execution, the solid gold construction meets a contemporary 'Concentric' dial, offering a unique texture that plays with the light differently than traditional sunburst finishes. The smooth bezel configuration makes this a 'discrete' status symbol compared to its fluted siblings.
Key Features
Double Quickset movement (Cal. 3155), rare black concentric Arabic dial, smooth bezel (ref. 118208 vs 118238), and solid 18k yellow gold 'President' bracelet.
Dial Description
Rare 'Black Concentric' texture featuring circular guilloché grooves. It includes applied gold Arabic numerals positioned radially. The day aperture is displayed at 12 o'clock and the date at 3 o'clock.
Case Material
18k Yellow Gold. High-polish finish on the lugs and sides, which is characteristic of the 6-digit reference series produced from 2000 onwards.
Crystal Type
Scratch-resistant Sapphire crystal with a Cyclops magnification lens over the date window. It appears to be in good condition without visible chips.
Bezel Details
Smooth (Domed) Bezel in 18k Yellow Gold. This is rarer than the standard fluted bezel and gives the Watch a more understated, sporty appearance.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down Twinlock crown in 18k Yellow Gold with the Rolex coronet and two dots/line indicating gold construction; no crown guards.
Bracelet or Strap
Presidential Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold with semi-circular three-piece links; features a concealed folding Crownclasp.
Caseback Details
Solid, screw-down 18k Gold caseback with a brushed finish. No engravings or exhibition window, consistent with Rolex's professional and luxury tooling.
Movement Type
Automatic, Rolex Calibre 3155. Features a 48-hour power reserve, 31 jewels, 28,800 vph, and a 'Double Quickset' function for both the day and date wheels.
Water Resistance
100 meters (330 feet). While technically capable of swimming, the soft gold and high value of the piece make it better suited for land use/formal occasions.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in-house in Geneva and Bienne, Switzerland.
Age Estimate
Circa 2000–2010. The 118208 reference and the specific style of the 'Swiss Made' print and concentric dial were popular in the mid-2000s.
Cultural Significance
The Day-Date represents the pinnacle of the Rolex catalog. Owning one in solid gold is widely considered the 'arrival' point for collectors. It has remained largely unchanged in DNA for over 60 years, making it an icon of horological continuity.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The case shows honest wear with light surface scratches on the high-polish lugs. The bracelet exhibits some 'stretch' (gap between links), which is common in gold models. The dial and hands are crisp. Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
Secondary market value is approximately $18,000 - $24,000 USD depending on the tightness of the bracelet and presence of original box/papers. The rare dial adds a slight premium.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended service every 10 years by Rolex. Ensure the crown is fully screwed down before exposure to water. Gold is soft, so clean only with a microfiber cloth and mild soap. Periodically check for link screw tightness.
Similar Watches
Rolex Day-Date 118238 (with fluted bezel), Rolex Datejust 116200 (Steel version), Patek Philippe Calatrava 5227 (for a different take on the gold dress watch).
Interesting Facts
The Day-Date is known as the 'President' because it was famously worn by several US Presidents (notably LBJ) and became the ultimate symbol of success in the 20th century. The 'Concentric' dial is one of the more sought-after modern-era dial variants.