{"product_id":"1981-rolex-day-date-18038-champagne-lemon-baguette-diamond-dial","title":"1981 Rolex Day-Date 18038 Champagne Lemon Baguette Diamond Dial","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-2\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-id=\"6421e163-864c-487c-bb81-48552dc94a01\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"794\" data-start=\"42\"\u003eThe 1981 Rolex Day-Date 18038 with champagne “lemon” baguette diamond dial is peak vintage Rolex flex—pure gold, pure presence, no apologies. Built in solid 18k yellow gold with the iconic 36mm case and President bracelet, this reference represents the era when the Day-Date fully leaned into its identity as the ultimate status watch. The champagne dial paired with factory baguette-cut diamond hour markers adds a sharper, more architectural feel compared to standard round diamond dials, giving it that unmistakable high-end 80s aesthetic. Powered by the caliber 3055, it introduced the quickset date function while maintaining the signature day display at 12 o’clock—Rolex’s defining complication since 1956. \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1450\" data-start=\"796\"\u003eWhat makes this configuration special is the dial. “Lemon” champagne tones (slightly lighter, more vibrant than standard champagne) combined with baguette diamonds hit a sweet spot between loud and refined—it’s flashy, but in a very intentional, collector-approved way. The 18038 itself is considered a cornerstone vintage Day-Date, produced through the late ’70s into the ’80s and widely respected for bridging old-school charm with modern usability like sapphire crystal and improved water resistance. \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e This is not a subtle watch—it’s a statement piece from an era when Rolex wasn’t trying to be quiet about luxury.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInformation:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eReference: 18038\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSerial: 7,015,XXX\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCase Year: 1981\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBracelet: 18k Yellow Gold\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDial: Champagne Lemon Baguette Diamond Dial - Tritium\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCase: 36mm - 18K Yellow Gold\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMovement: Rolex 3055 - Automatic - Running (+3 s\/d 281 amp)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFunctions: HMS, Day-Date\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox and Papers: Inner\/outer boxes(missing inner holder), no warranty papers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrystal: Sapphire\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBracelet size: 7.25”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCase has minimal light wear with nothing notable. Bracelet has minimal stretch for the year with a couple scratches. Dial and hands have no wear. Crystal has a few flea bites. Watch is running \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e(+3 s\/d 281 amp).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pre-Owned","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50221700251868,"sku":"260363","price":22000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0518\/0214\/4926\/files\/1981RolexDay-Date18038ChampagneLemonBaguetteDiamondDial.jpg?v=1777567900","url":"https:\/\/www.belmontwatches.com\/products\/1981-rolex-day-date-18038-champagne-lemon-baguette-diamond-dial","provider":"Belmont Watches","version":"1.0","type":"link"}