Rolex Day-Date “Stella” Ref. 18038 – Coral Red Dial, 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet Watch, Circa 1987

A highly rare and collectible Rolex Day-Date “Stella” reference 18038 in 18k yellow gold, featuring a glossy coral red lacquer dial, automatic calibre 3055 movement, and matching President bracelet.

Description

Offered here is a highly rare and exceptionally attractive Rolex Day-Date “Stella,” reference 18038, a watch that stands among the most charismatic and sought-after expressions of the vintage Day-Date line. Produced circa 1987, this superb 18k yellow gold example perfectly captures the bold, confident spirit of Rolex’s most collectible lacquer-dial era, pairing the enduring prestige of the Day-Date with one of the most visually striking dial configurations ever fitted to the model.

The defining feature of the present watch is its vivid coral red Stella dial, whose glossy lacquered surface gives the watch an unmistakable and highly desirable presence on the wrist. Stella dials have long held a special place among collectors for their vibrant color palette, artisanal appearance, and rarity within the broader Day-Date family. The lacquer tones of these dials often display subtle individuality, which only adds to their charm and desirability. In this example, the coral red tone is especially compelling against the warmth of the yellow gold case and bracelet, creating a look that is both exuberant and refined.

This particular watch further benefits from the attractive later Stella dial layout featuring Roman numerals at every 5-minute interval. This configuration gives the dial additional depth and character while preserving the bold, graphic appeal that defines the best Stella examples. The result is a highly expressive vintage Rolex that feels both elegant and unmistakably distinctive.

Crafted in 18k yellow gold, the 36 mm Oyster case offers the classic proportions that have made the Day-Date one of the most iconic wristwatches ever produced. According to the details provided, the present example remains especially appealing for its strong case proportions, thick lugs, and crisp hallmarks, characteristics that collectors value highly in vintage gold Rolex references. The watch is paired with its matching 18k yellow gold Rolex President bracelet, fitted with endlinks stamped 55 and a concealed clasp stamped 8385, completing the piece with the correct and highly desirable bracelet configuration.

Powering the watch is Rolex’s automatic calibre 3055, a 27-jewel movement that introduced the practical quick-set date function to the Day-Date line. This technically important calibre marked a major evolution in the model’s history, adding everyday convenience while retaining the robust and reliable performance for which Rolex is renowned.

Case number 9’462’099 and movement number 1’415’792 correspond to the present example, further anchoring it as a notable late-series Stella Day-Date from the period. Rare, instantly recognizable, and enduringly important within the world of vintage Rolex collecting, this reference 18038 is an exceptional opportunity for anyone seeking a standout Stella dial Day-Date with strong visual identity and lasting collector appeal.

Included:

Watch with matching 18k yellow gold Rolex President bracelet

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