Rolex President Day-Date 18ct 1979 – Original Rolex Factory Diamond Dial

£12,950

100% Genuine & All Original

Fully Inspected, Serviced and Guaranteed

A Beautifully Well Cared For And Lightly Used Example

Rolex Model Ref. 18038, Cal.3055, 26 Jewels, Automatic Movement

Officially Certified Day-Date with a Highly Accurate Chronometer Movement

Superb Rolex Factory Diamond Dot & Baguette Black Dial with Original ‘Stick’ Hands

Large 36mm Diameter 18ct Gold Case, Excluding the Rolex Screw-Down Crown

Immaculate Lightly Polished Case with Excellent Definition and Fluted Bezel

Original Rolex 18ct yellow Gold President Bracelet Full Size with 24 Links

All in Absolutely Top Grade & Simply Stunning Condition

Rolex Oyster Inner & Outer Presentation Boxes Included

VGWL 12 Months Written Warranty Included*

VGWL Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee

Free Worldwide FedEx Delivery

Free UK Special Delivery

Sold 11th July '20
VGW Reference: R1013
Price £12,950

£12,950

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Highly Recommend
The service from Vintage Gold Watches was as per usual Fantastic, the watch arrived when expected and was extremely well packaged as usual. The watch was even nicer than the photos and went straight onto my wrist. Another fantastic acquisition for my growing collection. VGW is the first and so f
Andrew S via Feefo 29/1/2024
Verified Buyer
I have no hesitation in recommending.
From start to finish the service I have received has been excellent. Kirsty has kept me informed all the way and the level of the finished repair to a very old and worn vintage watch was exemplary.
Bryn H via Google Review 23/2/2024
Verified Buyer
Even better in real life
My watch has just arrived and it looks even better in real life! Just wanted to say a massive thank you to John and everyone there for the help you gave me in securing my dream watch. Cannot recommend your company highly enough. Thank you so much. Mike
Mike G via email 29/11/2023
Verified Buyer
New Vacheron
The watch arrived safely together with all its paperwork and looks lovely both on and off the wrist. It is very beautiful and understated. So a definite “yes” from all of us. Happy Christmas to you all Very best wishes Stephen
Stephen R via Email 6/12/2023
Verified Buyer
ABOUT THIS WATCH

Rolex

Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, the partnership became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving to its new Geneva headquarters in 1919. The success of the wristwatch can be largely attributed to many of Rolex’s innovations which made the company one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These have included its famous “Oyster” case — the world’s first water-resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and its “Perpetual” — the world’s first reliable, self-winding movement for the wristwatch, launched in 1933. These would form the foundation for Rolex’s Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956. Also and equally importantly, Rolex is known for its sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

During the 1930s and ’40s, Rolex also became quite masterful at courting tremendous publicity and excitement through literally being ‘on hand’ during numerous record-breaking events. These were, for example, swimming the English Channel (1927), breaking the world automobile speed record (300mph, 1935), breaking the sound barrier (1947) and climbing Everest for the first time in 1953. No matter how well orchestrated these events came to be, we have to admire Rolex for becoming masters of self-promotion and capitalising on every opportunity with simultaneous worldwide marketing campaigns.

Of course, a Rolex watch has become so ubiquitous, it is now almost its own kind of currency. A Rolex is the watch you want on your wrist when you’re in a Third World country, a revolution breaks out, there’s only one seat on the plane and there’s a guy standing in the way with a machine gun! You give him the Rolex, and he’ll give you the seat!

Description

The Rolex Day-Date has been Rolex’s range-topping, gentleman’s dress watch for over 60 years! First released in 1956, it soon became one of the most desirable “luxury” watches to own at the time.

The Rolex ‘Day-Date’ is also referred to as the President, or President’s watch, after a gift of the 150,000th Officially Certified Rolex Chronometer was accepted by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, and of course in 1952 Eisenhower won the presidential race, becoming the 34th president of the United States. A famous image shows Eisenhower wearing his Rolex while waving on his way to his inauguration in 1953. This was a master-stroke of marketing by Rolex which would later claim in successive advertising campaigns that the Rolex Day-Date was ‘the watch worn by Presidents everywhere’. Which later, in fact, became true.

Incidentally, Winston Churchill also wore a Rolex after he accepted his gift of the 100,000th Officially Certified Rolex Chronometer a few years earlier in 1947.

When the Day-Date was unveiled by Rolex in 1956, it immediately broke two records. It was the first watch to display the date, as well as the day in its entirety, and of course, it was therefore the first waterproof watch to display the date, as well as the day, in its entirety.

The example here is Rolex model reference 18038, with the Cal.3055, 26 Jewel movement. It has an original Rolex factory diamond dial which is in tip-top, unrestored condition and the full length 24 link 18ct Rolex President Bracelet is original to this watch.

The Dial

The Rolex factory diamond-set dial, in black, is original, untouched and in superb condition. The Day-Date dial is one of the most iconic of all Rolex dial designs, and one which has remained almost unchanged since its introduction in 1956, through to the present day. This is the classic 1970s Day-Date dial with its original ‘stick’ hands. This is often known as the Rolex diamond ‘dot’ dial, which comprises of square set diamonds from one through to eleven, except at six and nine where diamond ‘baguettes’ are used. The black dial contrasts wonderfully against the yellow gold case and diamonds.

The dial carries the Rolex Coronet at 12 and is signed ‘Rolex Oyster Perpetual’, ‘Day-Date’ with ‘Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified’ below and ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom of the dial.

The lens has been replaced with a new original as part of the restoration which of course carries the trademark cyclops date window.

This is the original factory Rolex diamond dial which is unrestored and untouched.

The Watch Movement

The original, high grade “Officially Certified Superlative Chronometer”, 26 Jewel, Calibre 3055 Day-Date movement is highly regarded for being very accurate, reliable and robust. As can be seen in the photographs, it is in sparkling condition and it is working perfectly following a thorough overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. This means the movement has been completely disassembled to each of its component parts, cleaned and inspected under high magnification and then rebuilt using only original Rolex parts where required, before testing and careful calibration. The watch has just been re-tested (as it will be prior to delivery) and is running to within +4 seconds per day, which is outstanding for any vintage watch. The movement also has a 48 hour power reserve when fully wound.

These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable making this watch perfect for regular everyday use, as well as evening wear. This movement is in top condition and with regular servicing every 3 – 4 years we would fully expect this watch to run very happily for many more decades to come! We are therefore pleased to offer a 12-month warranty on this watch movement*, along with servicing in the future. The movement is signed ‘MONTRES ROLEX SA GENEVA’ and ‘TWENTY SIX JEWELS’, ‘ADJUSTED to FIVE POSITIONS’, and carries the movement reference number 0342284 and the Calibre Number 3055.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the full list price is paid.

The Watch Case

The 18ct yellow gold case measures 36mm, excluding the Rolex Oyster screw-down crown. The case has been cleaned, inspected and very gently hand polished to bring it back to the condition you see here. Even though this is 40 years old, no definition has been lost at all and all lines and edges, including the bezel, remain well defined. The case, lugs and case-back are in superb condition with no scratches, dings or similar marks visible to the naked eye.

This watch has seen very little use, evidenced not only by the dial but also the watch case and bracelet. Generally, an 18ct watch case which has seen regular use will soon pick up one or two tell-tale marks in the form of slight nicks and scratches. Normally these are never a problem as they can be removed by gentle polishing by hand or professionally by a watch case restorer. Here, however, the watch shows almost no signs of polishing even to the trained eye. This is proof to us that this watch has hardly been used. As can be seen, the bezel is free from any marks, which is unusual as the bezel is the most prone part of the watch case to damage and scratches.

The screw-down case-back is of full-thickness and has never been inscribed. The inside of the case-back carries the case reference number 18000 with 18ct Swiss Geneva hallmarks and is signed: ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland’. Very importantly, the case also carries its clearly defined serial number 6125581 between the lugs at ‘6’. This confirms the date of manufacture of the watch, which is 1979. The Rolex model reference number 18038 is also shown between the lugs at ’12’.

Please note, although the waterproof seals have been replaced and the watch was originally specified as waterproof when new, this has not been tested and it is not guaranteed. As always, our standard advice applies: vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Bracelet

The 18ct yellow gold bracelet is original to this watch and is of full size, complete with its original 24 links. The bracelet has been very lightly used with minimal stretch and is free from any marks or damage visible to the naked eye.

The Box and Papers

This watch comes complete with its original documents verifying the numbers and markings are correct for this particular watch, and dating the watch to 1979.

Our detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included in the sale, along with our detailed receipt and 12 months warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also be provided at the time of sale, along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If at any time, this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

The original Rolex Oyster Inner and Outer presentation boxes shown in the photographs are included with this watch.

In Conclusion

To summarise, this is the iconic top of the range dress watch from horology’s most famous name. It is an amazing vintage dress watch and will provide an excellent financial investment as well as be something to wear, treasure and enjoy! It will make the perfect evening wear dress watch as well as a practical, accurate and reliable timepiece to use every day, should you so wish.

Although this is one of our more expensive watches, its quality will be remembered for long after its purchase price will be forgotten.

Vintage gold Rolex ‘Day-Date’ watches are highly collectable and the rarity of this watch means the value will always remain strong, making this an excellent investment and family heirloom piece. Even though vintage Rolex prices have risen markedly in recent years, we still feel first-class examples such as this remain undervalued. Each year as the world market for vintage watches grows and availability becomes more limited, prices are inevitably destined to climb ever higher.

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring these to the highest possible standards. We then offer them for sale at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post-sales care and service. This approach inevitably means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are a number of well-known stores in West London which are very successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore feel our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would wish to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or International Bank Wire Transfer, we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges and if you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss.

We will be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Fully Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions, we welcome your call at 020 7727 7095. If calling from overseas at +44 207 727 7095.

We are ready, and available, and await your call. We will be happy to answer any questions and offer advice about this or any of our watches listed for sale. If you would like some general advice regarding any aspect of vintage watches, including buying, selling, or collecting vintage watches, we will also be happy to hear from you.

Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine vintage gold watches.

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