Considered as the most luxurious everyday dress-watch model of Rolex, the "Day-Date" was introduced in 1956. It holds the title of being the world’s first watch to display both the date of the month and the day of the week (spelled out in full), through separate windows in the surface of the dial.

In modern Rolex terminology, the “President” name actually only pertains to the semi-circular, three-piece link bracelet found on the "Day-Date". However, as the model has been worn by American presidents such as Eisenhower and Johnson – and later, Kennedy, Roosevelt, Reagan, Nixon …. –, the nickname of “President’s watch” has stuck with it. In 1966 Rolex released a U.S. magazine ad referring to the "Day-Date" as “the presidents’ watch.”

In 1977, the "Day-Date" was updated again, equipped with a sapphire crystal glass and the 3055 calibre with the newly developed quick-set date function. The watch was still available in lots of combinations : the material/finish was indicated in the last digit of the serial number.

Therefore reference 18038 was produced from 1977 to 1988. Similarly to its predecessor, the 3 in the reference number indicates the watch is fitted with a fluted bezel, an option on the brand’s models which dates back almost to the very beginning. The final 8 in the reference stands for “yellow gold”.

What makes this lot exceptional is the rare blood-stone dial. Due to the complexity of assembling wristwatches hard-stone dials, many examples encompass hairline cracks after being fitted to a watch case, or following shocks due to wear. Hence, with its intact dial in crisp condition, this lot is a stunning example for collectors. In excellent overall condition it demonstrates the “savoir-faire” of Rolex.