Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038 (Modified / Custom Set) 'President'
Complications Watch (Day-Date), Luxury Dress Watch · Rolex (Independent). A member of the high-luxury 'Big Three' tier in terms of brand recognition and prestige.
Period: Neo-Vintage (approx. late 1970s to 1980s). Stylistic indicators include the 'Single Quickset' operation typical of this era, the classic 36mm oyster case, and the combination of yellow gold and steel motifs common in late 20th-century luxury.
Type
Complications Watch (Day-Date), Luxury Dress Watch
Brand
Rolex (Independent). A member of the high-luxury 'Big Three' tier in terms of brand recognition and prestige.
Movement
Automatic/Self-winding, likely Caliber 3055 (if authentic) with Single Quickset date and sweeping seconds. Frequency of 28,800 bph and approximately 42-hour power reserve.
Dimensions
Case Diameter: 36mm; Thickness: 12.5mm; Lug-to-Lug: 44mm; Lug Width: 20mm. This is the classic mid-size luxury profile.
Description
This is a 36mm Day-Date style watch with significant custom modifications. The Day-Date is the pinnacle of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual line, traditionally known as the 'President'. This example features a high-contrast two-tone aesthetic, a diamond-encrusted bezel, and a sunburst dial that exudes 1980s opulence. However, the presence of a Jubilee bracelet and steel case on a Day-Date indicates either a custom-built 'franken-watch' or a high-end replica, as Rolex only produced the Day-Date in solid gold or platinum.
Key Features
Dual apertures for day and date; Rolex Coronet at 12; signature 36mm oyster case silhouette; and custom diamond-set bezel and dial indices.
Dial Description
Champagne/Silver sunburst dial with aftermarket diamond-set hour markers in square gold settings. Features the day aperture at 12 o'clock ('FRIDAY') and date aperture at 3 o'clock. Baton-style gold hands.
Case Material
Two-tone Steel and 18k Yellow Gold. NOTE: This specific configuration is atypical for an authentic Day-Date (historically made only in precious metals). The case appears to be stainless steel with a gold-tone screw-down crown.
Crystal Type
Flat Sapphire crystal with a Cyclops magnification lens over the date. Evidence of wear and slight scratching visible.
Bezel Details
Aftermarket fixed bezel set with round brilliant-cut diamonds (unclear if natural or CZ) in a yellow gold channel setting.
Crown & Pushers
Yellow gold-tone screw-down Twinlock crown with Rolex Coronet logo. No pushers.
Bracelet or Strap
Two-tone Jubilee-style bracelet (steel outer links, gold-plated or gold center links). This is unusual as Day-Dates traditionally come on 'President' bracelets.
Caseback Details
Solid, screw-down stainless steel caseback. Likely brushed finish without external engravings, consistent with Rolex manufacturing of the era.
Movement Type
Automatic/Self-winding, likely Caliber 3055 (if authentic) with Single Quickset date and sweeping seconds. Frequency of 28,800 bph and approximately 42-hour power reserve.
Water Resistance
Originally rated 100m (330ft); however, due to age and aftermarket modifications to the bezel and crystal, it should be treated as only splash-proof.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in Geneva, Switzerland. Movement is designed in-house.
Age Estimate
Circa 1978-1988, based on the flat dial profile and case shape consistent with the 18XXX reference series.
Cultural Significance
Known as the ultimate symbol of success and 'making it', the Day-Date defined the luxury watch market of the 20th century.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible wear on the bracelet links ('stretch'), minor scratches on the case and bezel setting, and slight misalignment in the day wheel.
Value Estimate
As a modified/atypical piece: $3,000 - $6,000 depending on the gold purity and diamond quality. If deemed a non-genuine 'mismatch' of parts, value is significantly lower.
Care & Maintenance
Service every 5-7 years. Given the age, water resistance should be tested before any immersion. Clean with a soft brush and lukewarm water.
Similar Watches
Rolex Datejust 36 (often available in two-tone), Tudor Prince Day-Date (the more affordable 'cousin' with similar layout).
Interesting Facts
The Day-Date was the first watch to display both the date and the day of the week spelled out in full. It has been worn by more world leaders (LBJ, JFK, Reagan) than any other timepiece.