Rolex Day-Date ref. 18038, 'Bloodstone' Dial

Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke

When the Day-Date was released in 1956, Rolex had made numerous attempts to capture the market with more complicated timepieces such as the Ref. 6036, the Ref. 8171, and the Ref. 6062, but it seemed like buyers were not particularly fond of complicated Rolexes. All of that changed when President Dwight D. Eisenhower was spotted wearing one Rolex in particular: a Day-Date. The model has since become known worldwide as ‘The President’ and as a symbol of success and prestige. Simply put, this one stuck. The Day-Date was available for many years on a leather strap with a matching gold buckle, but also on a solid gold bracelet (called a 'President' bracelet), like the example that we have here. However, this isn't your run of the mill Day-Date... The piece that we have here features a striking, 'bloodstone' stone dial, which belongs to a family of watches produced with a series of rare and exotic stones. These dials are as rare as they are beautiful to behold. Produced for a limited time these dials were handmade by artisans — something we don't usually associate with the sports watches that Rolex is known for — and have always been coveted as some of the more collectible vintage Rolexes, full stop. This example dates to circa 1979 and comes to us is excellent overall condition. The case shows signs of a light polishing an an earlier time, retaining symmetrical lugs in all four corners and shows normal signs of wear throughout with mild sleeve-polish. The correct 'fluted' yellow gold bezel appears to be unpolished, with strong, defined factory finishing and shows matching normal wear. The correct 'President bracelet is also in matching condition, showing signs of a very light previous polishing and normal wear. The highlight of this piece though, of course, is that incredible stone dial within. Free from applied indices and luminous material, it features an applied coronet logo at the usual position, gold printed text, and framed day and date apertures — all of which are complimented by a correct non-luminous gold handset. The dial itself is devoid of any fractures or cracks and remains in seemingly flawless condition. An absolute treat. This particular cut of stone also has a generous amount of red deposits, lending themselves to a dynamic and particularly attractive example. The combination of the green dial within the yellow gold case is undeniably a match made in heaven. Take into account the fantastic overall condition of it's components and the result is a truly special and rare piece fit for the Day-Date connoisseur.