Rolex Day-Date 18078 Green Khanjar Champagne Dial Bark Finish in 18k Yellow Gold, 1980

Dealer description — Bulang & Sons

The Rolex Day-Date, introduced in 1956, marked a significant milestone in watchmaking as the world’s first wristwatch to display both the date and the day of the week fully spelled out on the dial. Positioned at the very top of the Rolex catalogue, the Day-Date has exclusively been produced in precious metals — including 18k yellow, white, or Everose gold, as well as platinum — reinforcing its status as the brand’s ultimate flagship model. The model became closely associated with the iconic “President” bracelet, a semi-circular three-link design created specifically for the Day-Date’s launch. While the bracelet itself carried the “President” name, the nickname soon became synonymous with the entire watch. The Day-Date’s association with influential world leaders further elevated its legendary status. Dwight D. Eisenhower famously received a Rolex from the brand, while Lyndon B. Johnson was often seen wearing a yellow gold Day-Date during his presidency. Over the decades, the model has become an enduring symbol of prestige, success, and leadership, worn by presidents, executives, and cultural icons around the world. This particular example features several highly desirable and seldom-seen characteristics. It is preserved in the rare reference 18078 configuration, distinguished by its hand-finished “bark” decoration — a textured motif applied to both the bezel and President bracelet, designed to resemble the natural grain of tree bark. This intricate finish gives the watch a striking and unmistakably luxurious appearance. The champagne dial is beautifully balanced and elevated further by an exceptionally rare green Omani Khanjar and crown signature printed on the left side of the dial. Additional details include a finely printed railroad minute track, warm cream-coloured lume plots, and an English day disc. For those unfamiliar with the symbol, the Omani Khanjar is a traditional curved dagger worn ceremonially in Oman, representing heritage, honour, and national pride. During the 1970s onward, Qaboos bin Said al Said became renowned for commissioning specially ordered watches featuring the royal Khanjar crest, either printed on the dial or engraved on the case back. These watches were typically presented to senior military officials, diplomats, trusted advisers, and members of the Sultan’s inner circle, making them objects of both extraordinary rarity and important historical significance. Many of these bespoke commissions were supplied through Asprey of New Bond Street, London, the Sultan’s preferred jeweller during the period. Watches retailed through Asprey — particularly Rolex models bearing the Khanjar emblem — have since become some of the most coveted and elusive special-order timepieces in the world of vintage Rolex collecting. The 18k gold case remains in outstanding condition and retains a sharp Khanjar engraving on the case back. The reference 8723 President bracelet features solid end links, a concealed clasp, and comfortably fits wrists up to approximately 18.5 cm. Finally, the watch has been checked and regulated by our watchmaker, including its single quick-set movement, and is ready to be enjoyed for many years to come. Combining royal provenance, rare configuration, and unmistakable wrist presence, this is a Day-Date for the seasoned collector ! Specifications: Rolex Day-Date Reference 18078 36mm yellow gold case with sapphire crystal Factory “Bark” bezel, Khanjar engraved on case back Serial 626xxxx dating to 1980 Champagne colour dial with black printed text and green Khanjar and Royal Crown English day-disc Yellow gold President bracelet with bark finish (ref. 8723) Single quickset movement Fully checked and regulated by our watchmaker