Rolex Day Date

Why We Love it

“This is gold, Mr. Bond. All my life, I have been in love with its color, its brilliance, its divine heaviness.”

If you, like Auric Goldfinger, have a taste for gold and want to feel its "divine heaviness" on your wrist, then we have the watch for you. 

A Reference 18038 circa 1985, this watch is gold on gold on gold, from the crisp 18K Yellow case to the warm dial and hidden clasp bracelet. Speaking of the dial, it features a very rich patina to the luminescent elements and a single quick-set date function.

When only the shiniest, most brilliant watch will do, this Day-Date is for you. 

The Story

When you’ve got a good thing going, sometimes you just know. Such is the case with the Rolex Day-Date. At the time of the Day-Date’s release in 1956, it was Rolex’s only complicated wristwatch: all previous attempts had failed to resonate with consumers.

But as soon as Rolex secured the patent in July of 1955, production of the Day-Date was rushed for a debut at the Basel Fair the following spring.

Although early Day-Dates were plagued by technical problems resulting from the complexity of the automatic movement, those were soon resolved. After President Eisenhower sported one (a gift from the manufacture), its success was secured. The model would be tweaked and improved throughout the 1950s and on into the 60s, which ultimately leads to the later version of the model, the Reference 18XXX from the mid 1980s.

For a watch known as the “President,” (due to the fact that several U.S. presidents have worn one), it certainly lives up to its dignified nickname. In warm yellow gold, it resonates with style. Elegant and sophisticated, it remains a classic worthy of its reputation.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.