Rolex Day-Date 36 Ref. 118238 'Wave Dial'
Complications / Dress Watch · Rolex (Independent). High-tier luxury manufacture. The Day-Date is the brand's flagship 'prestige' model, exclusively produced in precious metals.
Period: Modern Luxury (2000s-2010s). This 118238 generation introduced the high-polish lugs and improved 'President' bracelet clasp, bridging the gap between vintage charm and modern robustness.
Type
Complications / Dress Watch
Brand
Rolex (Independent). High-tier luxury manufacture. The Day-Date is the brand's flagship 'prestige' model, exclusively produced in precious metals.
Movement
Automatic/Self-winding, Rolex Calibre 3155. Features 31 jewels, 28,800 vph (4Hz) frequency, and approximately 48 hours of power reserve. Includes 'Double Quickset' function for both day and date.
Dimensions
36mm case diameter, approx. 12mm thickness, 43.5mm lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width. Wears true to size but has significant 'heft' due to the solid gold construction.
Description
The Rolex Day-Date is widely known as the 'President's Watch.' This reference 118238 is the definitive modern-classic 36mm version in 18k yellow gold. This specific example features a rare white/silver wave dial with applied Arabic numerals, offering a more contemporary and textured look than the traditional champagne dial. It represents the pinnacle of social status and conservative horological excellence.
Key Features
Wave-textured dial, 18k yellow gold construction, 36mm 'President' bracelet, and the distinct day/date windows that give the watch its name.
Dial Description
Silver 'Wave' or 'Ribbed' texture dial. Features applied 18k yellow gold Arabic numeral hour markers, baton hands, a full day window at 12 o'clock, and a date window at 3 o'clock.
Case Material
18k Yellow Gold. High-polished lugs and sides with a vertical brushed finish on the top of the lugs (under modern light).
Crystal Type
Flat Scratch-Resistant Sapphire crystal with a Cyclops magnifying lens over the date. Appears to be in good condition with minor surface dust.
Bezel Details
Fixed 18k Yellow Gold Fluted bezel. This is a signature aesthetic of the Day-Date and Datejust lines, designed to catch and reflect light.
Crown & Pushers
18k Yellow Gold 'Twinlock' screw-down crown with the Rolex coronet and two dots/bar indicating the gold material and water sealing system.
Bracelet or Strap
Rolex 'President' bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold. Three-piece semicircular links with a concealed folding Crownclasp.
Caseback Details
Solid, screw-down 18k Yellow Gold case back with a fluted edge for the Rolex opening tool. No engravings, typical of standard Rolex production.
Movement Type
Automatic/Self-winding, Rolex Calibre 3155. Features 31 jewels, 28,800 vph (4Hz) frequency, and approximately 48 hours of power reserve. Includes 'Double Quickset' function for both day and date.
Water Resistance
100 meters (330 feet). Suitable for swimming and snorkeling, provided the Twinlock crown is fully screwed down. Not intended for professional diving.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in-house in Geneva and Bienne, Switzerland.
Age Estimate
Circa 2000–2015 based on the reference number 118238 and the specific wave dial configuration which was popular in the late 2000s.
Cultural Significance
Icon of success and power. It is one of the most recognizable watches in the world and serves as a symbol of 'having made it' in business and politics.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The fluting on the bezel remains sharp, suggesting limited polishing. Minor hairline scratches are visible on the polished lug surfaces and bracelet links. The dial and hands appear pristine.
Value Estimate
$22,000 - $28,000 USD (Market dependent). Presence of original box and papers can add 10-15% to the value. Wave dials occasionally command a small premium for rarity.
Care & Maintenance
Service every 10 years by Rolex or a certified specialist. Check water resistance gaskets every 2 years. Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap for the gold links. Use a watch winder if not worn daily.
Similar Watches
Rolex Day-Date 40 (Ref. 228238), Tudor Glamour Date-Day (Affordable alternative), Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 5146J.
Interesting Facts
The Day-Date was the first wristwatch to display the day of the week spelled out in full. It has been worn by more world leaders (including LBJ and JFK) than any other timepiece.