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Rolex Day-Date

18238

£27,500

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Now available, a truly exceptional Rolex Day-Date reference 18238 in yellow gold, dating to circa 1990 and preserved in remarkable new-old-stock condition.

There is something incredibly special about a vintage gold Rolex that has simply been allowed to age, and this might be one of the most extreme examples we have encountered. Decades of natural oxidisation have transformed the yellow gold case and President bracelet into a wonderfully deep, almost bronze-like tone, particularly between the links where flashes of richer colour remain completely untouched. The original caseback sticker is still intact, the bracelet shows zero stretch whatsoever, while razor-sharp hallmarks and engravings remain throughout. An E-series case dates the watch to circa 1990, complemented by its “P4” clasp code for April 1991.

And then there is the dial. An extraordinary red diamond vignette dial, shifting from vivid deep red and burgundy into almost Bordeaux, wine-like tones depending on the light. At certain angles it takes on an almost liquid appearance, with the colour becoming dramatically darker towards the outer edge. Factory diamond hour markers are joined by baguette-cut diamonds at 6 and 9, creating one of the most beautiful and unmistakably period configurations we have seen on a Day-Date. The original tritium luminous plots and luminous material within the handset have developed a subtle warmth of their own, while even the day and date discs have aged to a wonderful creamy tone.

It is the combination of everything that makes this watch so compelling. The untouched oxidised gold, completely rigid President bracelet, surviving caseback sticker and extraordinary vignette dial together create what feels like a genuine time capsule from one of the greatest eras of the Day-Date. Quite simply, they do not come much better than this. Coming as a watch only, the watch is available for viewing in London and purchase worldwide. Please get in touch for further information.