Rolex

*Unpolished* 1981 Rolex Day-Date 18K YG (Ref. 18038) Red "Stella" Dial

$ 98,500

The Rolex Day-Date is one of the most iconic and beautiful watches in the Rolex catalog. The Rolex Day-Date earned the nickname "President" after it was rumored that President Dwight Eisenhower wore one, but Eisenhower actually wore a Rolex 18K yellow gold Oyster-Perpetual Datejust, which Rolex gifted to him in 1953. However, the nickname "President" is quite fitting for the Day-Date, as Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Ford, Reagan, Nixon, and Roosevelt all wore the Rolex Day-Date. Apart from its executive affiliation, the Day-Date is a symbol of status and luxury, only produced in highly refined precious metals, including 18K yellow, white, and rose gold, and also platinum, featuring both the day and date complications within the movement. 


Few vintage Rolex watches capture the more expressive side of the brand quite like a Stella-dial Day-Date. Defined by richly colored lacquer with remarkable depth and gloss, these vibrant dials bring an unmistakable character to Rolex’s flagship model. Red is a particularly striking expression, pairing bold color with the warmth of yellow gold. Here, understated gold stick markers provide a beautifully balanced composition, allowing the lacquer itself to command attention.

This 1981 Rolex Day-Date ref. 18038 brings that combination together in exceptional form. The vivid red Stella dial remains in near-perfect condition, with no cracks or lume degradation, and its richly saturated finish creates a stunning contrast against the 18K yellow gold case. Equally compelling, the case remains unpolished, preserving the sharp definition that makes an untouched gold Rolex so desirable. With its outstanding dial, restrained marker configuration, and impressive case preservation, this example delivers the unmistakably regal presence of a Day-Date with an exuberance all its own.

SPECS

Stock # RLXDD18038S
Brand Rolex
Style Day-Date
Model 18038
Serial 65XXXXX
Size Men's
Material 18K Yellow Gold
Dial Red Lacquer "Stella"
Millimeters 36
Strap Rolex 8385 18K YG President Bracelet

 

CASE & BRACELET

The exceptional 18K yellow gold case remains in impressively crisp, unpolished condition, showing only gentle signs of previous use throughout. The 18K yellow gold fluted bezel also remains in remarkable unpolished condition, displaying sharp angles and edges, with no notable wear present. The original 18K yellow gold Rolex 8385 President bracelet has an "E" date code and retains 22 links that exhibit no stretch and will accommodate a 7-inch wrist.

DIAL & HANDS

The vibrant and infinitely attractive red lacquer Stella dial remains exceptionally well-preserved, retaining impressive depth and gloss with none of the “spider cracking” often associated with these dials. The only notable imperfection is a subtle blemish tucked beneath the upper-right corner of the day window, virtually invisible to the naked eye. All tritium lume plots remain fully intact and have aged evenly to a charming golden patina, matching the original tritium hands. Neither the dial lume nor the hands exhibit degradation under UV inspection, an especially desirable quality given the lume deterioration often encountered on Stella dials. The original date wheel features “open” 6 and 9 numerals.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.