WHY WE LOVE IT
Few watches make a statement like a solid gold Rolex.
This anachronistic blend of technical design and functionality with a precious metal casing material is a polarizing one, and depending on how its worn (and indeed, by whom), can send very different signals - and we'll just leave it at that.
So-called “five digit” Day-Dates (reference variants with five digits) are a quintessential staple of the Neo-Vintage era. These models showed up in the late 70s and offer the added functionality of a higher-beat movement for accuracy and a Quickset date mechanism. They retain the classic 36mm case proportion of their predecessors and were produced in seemingly endless variations of dial, bezel, and bracelet configurations.
This particular example, a Reference 18038A most certainly stands out!
Dating to circa 1987, it features a solid 18k yellow gold Oyster case with a magnified sapphire crystal, a yellow gold fluted bezel, a signed crown, a striking and beautiful Mother of Pearl dial with factory diamond-set chapter ring with ruby indices, and a matching President bracelet with a signed hidden deployant clasp.
While not for everyone, and perhaps even excessive - this wild, stunning and rare configuration was created to be excessive - to be more.
We think it has achieved that with bells on.
OVERALL CONDITION
The case is in excellent condition overall showing normal signs of wear consistent with age and use. White mother-of-pearl dial with factory diamonds-set minute track with ruby indices is in equally excellent condition with matching handset. Intact factory caseback sticker. Signed crown.
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