Rolex Day Date 18038 Champagne Index – 1979

Rolex Day Date 18038 Champagne Index

The 18038 is the second series of Day Date, and was quite a departure from the 1803 as it now featured a single quickset function for adjusting the date, which endows it with a level of practicality, and ease of use not seen in the 1803. The pie-pan dial was also swapped in favour of the newer flat dial, but it still retained the classic 36mm case size and brushed lugs we so love.

The example we have here dates from 1979, and is something special. Owned by the one local owner for more than 40 years, it’s clearly been loved and cherished and has been treated to multiple RSC service over the course of its life. Documents have been retained for the services over the past 14 years, and it includes:

2010: A complete with service dial and hands fitted, along with a new crystal

2012: A new 8385 bracelet fitted by Rolex

2019: Full service and new hands and crystal

It also includes the original warranty papers with the same owners name on it, and a service invoice from 1981.`

As you’d expect, it’s in superb shape. Has been polished, but retains thick, sharp lugs, with a uniform finish that RSC servicing provides. Shows some light scratches, but that’s about it. Please see images for full condition details.

As you’d expect from the service hands and dial, they are perfect. Some folks won’t like the service dial, but on a Day Date we think it makes little difference. The plots are tiny, and the hands slender, so it doesn’t stick out like it does on a Sub/GMT/Milgauss etc. Fairly common for Day Dates to have swapped dials, too.

The 8385 President bracelet shows only very minor stretch and will fit up to a 7.25in wrist.

Comes with original box (buckle has detached), original papers, service guarantee from 1981, RSC service cards from 2010 and 2019, receipt for replacement bracelet from RSC and Watch Vault cleaning cloth.