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- 100% Authentic watches
- Safe delivery or pick-up
- Warranty and easy returns
- 100% Authentic watches
- Safe delivery or pick-up
- Warranty and easy returns
- 100% Authentic watches
- Safe delivery or pick-up
- Warranty and easy returns
Rolex Day-Date 36
Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18238 Year 1989 (Box & Papers)
18238Available
€ 21.950
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Rolex Day-Date
The Rolex Day-Date, affectionately known as the 'President Watch', symbolizes luxury, power, and prestige. Its full day and date display, available in various languages, differentiates it from other Rolex models. Exclusively crafted from precious metals like gold and platinum, the Day-Date makes an indelible statement of class and elegance.
The Rolex Day-Date truly stands out with its combination of luxury and functionality. Its iconic President bracelet, featuring semi-circular links, complements the opulent use of 18k gold and platinum, making a statement on any wrist.
The history of the Day-Date
The original Oyster Perpetual Day-Date was released by Rolex in 1956, seven years after the Oyster Perpetual Datejust. It was groundbreaking as the first watch to showcase both the day and day of the week written out in full. With this release, Rolex also introduced the ‘president-bracelet’, a unique bracelet in the luxury watch sector.
While the Rolex Datejust and Day-Date share the Oyster case and narrow fluted bezel, the Day-Date elevates its distinction with the fully spelled-out day display.
Material development in the Day-Date line has remained a hallmark of Rolex’s dedication to innovation. Originally crafted in yellow gold, the range has expanded to include white gold, Everose gold, platinum and even a rare Tri-Dor with all the gold colors combined. In 2026, Jubilee Gold, an 18k gold alloy with dynamic visual properties, was introduced, offering even more styling possibilities.
The Rolex Day-Date 36
Just like the original release in 1956, the Day-Date 36 retains the classic 36mm case size. Modern models, like the Day-Date reference 128238, marry vintage appeal with contemporary updates. This watch features a yellow gold case and bracelet with a fluted bezel, available from simple indices to diamond inlays.
The Rolex Day-Date has been available in yellow, white, and rose gold from its early days. This diverse palette offers a timeless elegance suitable for any style and preference.
All Rolex Day-Dates, including the 36mm versions, are certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Institute (COSC). They boast features like a 48-hour power reserve, initially powered by the caliber 3155 until replaced by modern options. A standout piece in this lineage are the 'Bark' versions, produced from the 1970s to the late 1990s, with distinctive textured bezels reminiscent of tree bark.
Contemporary Dial Options
The dial variety of the Day-Date is as impressive as its craftsmanship. From the elegant champagne and ice blue dials to captivating gem-set options, there's something for every enthusiast. Recent years have seen the addition of natural stone dials made from meteorite and mother-of-pearl, offering collectors unique styling options.
The Vintage Day-Date
Since 1956, the yellow gold Day-Date has been a timeless piece, now available as a highly sought-after vintage option on Wristler. One such example is the Rolex Day-Date reference 1803, a vintage favorite priced around €12.000, featuring a yellow gold president bracelet.
Another rare option is the reference 19019, a white gold Oysterquartz Day-Date with a unique angular case. This rarity makes it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts.
The larger Rolex Day-Dates
In 2008, Rolex introduced the Day-Date II, catering to those wanting a bigger presence with its 41mm case diameter. This was later replaced by the Day-Date 40, offering a 40mm size and a caliber with a 70-hour power reserve. The larger size models maintain the collection’s prestige with robust builds and notable wrist presence.
The Day-Date 40 is a popular model and sought after, priced around €30.000 on Wristler. One standout version is the rose gold watch with olive green dial or slate grey dial, which can reach around €45.000. Current and modern Day-Dates are always more affordable on marketplaces compared to the official retailers, which is good to know.
Prices of the Rolex Day-Date
Since its launch, the Rolex Day-Date has been synonymous with distinguished luxury. Early releases like the reference 6612 are now available for around €12.000, sporting a yellow gold case and bracelet. Should you desire something more, the ref 18078, also 36mm with a full gold aesthetic, will cost about €18.000 on Wristler.
For larger models, the reference 228238, priced at approximately €34.000, is a 41mm option with sophisticated white gold styling. On the higher end, models like the reference 228396TBR in platinum with a diamond bezel exceed €100.000, appreciated for their opulence and the precision of the caliber 3255.
Latest additions to the Day-Date catalog
Rolex continues to innovate within the Day-Date line. Recent additions include the elusive Puzzle dial, featuring colorful puzzles instead of a traditional date display. Also available since 2024 are the Ombré dials, inspired by vintage Day-Date designs and captivating collectors. Expect to pay around €45.000 and up, reflecting their desirability.
Vintage versus modern Day-Dates
Pricing data over the last decade indicates that vintage models, such as references 1803, 18038, or 18238, are more accessible and can offer better investment potential. These pieces can start just under €10.000 and are highly regarded for their classic robust designs and functionality, especially the model 18038 with its double-quickset feature, highly practical for quick adjustments.