1986 Rolex Day-Date 18038 Champagne Dial

The 1986 Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038 with Champagne Dial is a quintessential expression of Rolex’s most iconic presidential dress watch, blending timeless luxury with unmistakable presence. Produced throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the 18038 is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a 36 mm Oyster case paired with the classic President bracelet, giving it a balanced yet commanding wrist feel that has defined the Day-Date’s status symbol appeal for decades. The smooth 18k yellow gold bezel frames a richly hued champagne dial, often accented with applied gold indices or Roman numerals, while the day of the week is fully spelled out at 12 o’clock and the date sits under Rolex’s signature Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock, combining practical functionality with elegant design.

Under the hood, the 18038 is powered by Rolex’s Caliber 3055 automatic movement, featuring a quickset date function that was a major convenience upgrade at the time and helping the watch maintain accurate, dependable performance. The warm tones of the champagne dial harmonize with the gold case and bracelet for a look that’s both classic and highly wearable in dress or formal settings, yet still unmistakably Rolex. Today, the Ref. 18038 with champagne dial is cherished by vintage collectors and enthusiasts for its heritage appeal, refined proportions, and the understated luxury that has made the Day-Date an enduring icon in horology.

Serial: 8,980,XXX

Reference: 18038

Case Year: 1986

Bracelet: 18k Yellow Gold

Dial: Champagne Stick Dial - Tritium

Case: 36mm - 18K Yellow Gold

Movement: Rolex 3055 - Automatic - Running (+5 s/d 295 amp)

Functions: HMS, Day-Date

Box and Papers: No box or papers - watch only

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 7.25”

Case has light wear. Bracelet has wear and oxidation.

Rolex was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, before moving to Geneva in 1919 to be closer to the heart of Swiss watchmaking. From the start, Wilsdorf envisioned a wristwatch that was not only elegant, but also precise and reliable—an ambitious goal at a time when pocket watches dominated. Rolex went on to pioneer key innovations in horology, including the first officially certified chronometer wristwatch, the Oyster case (the world’s first waterproof wristwatch), and the Perpetual rotor—the self-winding mechanism that became the standard for modern automatic watches. These technical breakthroughs laid the foundation for Rolex’s enduring reputation for rugged luxury and mechanical excellence.

Today, Rolex is arguably the most recognized name in watches, with models like the Submariner, Daytona, Datejust, and GMT-Master becoming cultural icons in their own right. Whether tied to deep-sea exploration, motorsport, aviation, or mountain summits, each model reflects the brand’s commitment to performance and precision under extreme conditions. The brand’s status is bolstered by its unmatched consistency in design, rigorous in-house testing, and long-standing associations with exploration, sport, and achievement. For collectors and enthusiasts, Rolex represents more than a timepiece—it’s a benchmark of mechanical reliability, timeless design, and global prestige.