1988 Rolex Day-Date 18238 Champagne Dial

The 1988 Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18238 represents an important turning point in the history of Rolex’s flagship model, as 1988 marked the introduction of the reference and the new generation of double-quickset Day-Dates. Crafted entirely from 18k yellow gold, the watch retains the classic 36mm Oyster case, fluted gold bezel, sapphire crystal, and iconic President bracelet that have defined the Day-Date for decades. The traditional champagne dial is a quintessential pairing with yellow gold, featuring applied gold hour markers, the date beneath the Cyclops magnifier at 3 o’clock, and the fully spelled-out day displayed across the aperture at 12. As an early example, a period-correct luminous dial would also belong to Rolex’s tritium era, adding another distinctly vintage element to the watch.

Inside is Rolex’s Caliber 3155, the major technical advancement that separated the 18238 from its predecessor, the Ref. 18038. The COSC-certified automatic movement runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour, uses 31 jewels, and provides approximately 48 hours of power reserve. Most importantly, the 3155 introduced Rolex’s double-quickset system, allowing both the day and date to be adjusted independently through the crown rather than requiring the hands to be repeatedly advanced through 24-hour cycles. Produced from 1988 until approximately 2000, the 18238 combines the proportions and character collectors associate with vintage Rolex Presidents with a significantly more practical modern movement, and a first-year 1988 Champagne Dial example captures the beginning of that important generation particularly well.

Reference: 18238

Case Year: 1988

Bracelet: 18k Yellow Gold

Dial: Champagne - Tritium

Case: 36mm - 18K Yellow Gold

Movement: Rolex 3155 - Serviced August 2026 - One Year Warranty

Functions: HMS, Day-Date

Box and Papers: Warranty papers included - no boxes

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 7”

Case has minimal light wear. Bracelet is tight with very minimal wear. Dial has the slightest patina. Hands have no wear. Crystal is free of wear. First part of serial was re-engraved. Watch was serviced August 2026 and comes with a full one year warranty on the movement.