Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 18038 Style Two-Tone Hybrid
Jewelry (Watch) · Rolex (Likely after-market or replica components). Rolex was founded in 1905 and is the most recognized luxury watchmaker in Swiss history.
Pattern: Day-Date (President) Collection, originally introduced in 1956.
Type
Jewelry (Watch)
Maker
Rolex (Likely after-market or replica components). Rolex was founded in 1905 and is the most recognized luxury watchmaker in Swiss history.
Material
Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold plate/base metal. Authentic Day-Dates are exclusively produced in solid 18k gold or platinum; this two-tone example suggests a non-genuine configuration or a 'Franken-watch' using Datejust parts.
Dimensions
Standard Day-Date oyster case diameter of 36mm. Weight approximately 100-150g depending on movement and metal density.
Description
This is a luxury timepiece styled after the Rolex Day-Date, famously known as the 'President'. It features a distinctive black dial accented with diamond-set indices and the iconic fluted bezel. Its two-tone construction is highly unusual for the Day-Date line, which traditionally only utilizes precious metals.
Key Features
Double complication (Day and Date), fluted bezel, diamond dial, and the signature Rolex coronet.
Material & Composition
Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold plate/base metal. Authentic Day-Dates are exclusively produced in solid 18k gold or platinum; this two-tone example suggests a non-genuine configuration or a 'Franken-watch' using Datejust parts.
Finish & Decoration
Fluted bezel in yellow gold tone, black 'Pie-Pan' style dial with diamond-set hour markers, and a Jubilee-style multi-link bracelet. Polished and brushed finishes.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Rolex Coronet logo at 12 o'clock, 'Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified' text. Authentic pieces would have 750 gold hallmarks on the lug undersides and hidden inside the case back.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured Oyster case with screw-down crown and case back. Inclusion of a 'Cyclops' magnification lens over the date aperture.
Functional Features
Self-winding mechanical movement featuring a day aperture at 12 o'clock and a date window at 3 o'clock. Screw-down waterproof crown.
Handle & Grip Details
Five-piece link Jubilee-style bracelet with a folding clasp. Links show signs of 'stretch' and surface wear.
Craftsmanship Details
Features typical machine-precision associated with luxury horology, though the dial alignment and crystal clarity in the image suggest lower-tier finishing than factory standards.
Authentication Indicators
Red Flag: Rolex Day-Dates are never manufactured in two-tone (Steel/Gold) by the factory; they are always solid gold or platinum. This suggests either a replica or a Datejust modified with a Day-Date dial.
Origin & Manufacturing
Designed in Geneva, Switzerland. However, the visual discrepancies suggest potential third-party assembly.
Era & Period
Modern / Late 20th Century design (c. 1970s-1980s style indicators).
Age Estimate
Circa 1980-1990 based on the 18038 series reference style and dial layout.
Cultural Significance
Considered the ultimate status symbol in professional and political circles, representing peak achievement and luxury.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant surface scratching on the crystal and bezel. Visible dirt/oxidation near the lugs and crown. Bracelet shows moderate wear and sag.
Value Estimate
$200 - $1,500 for a replica or modified piece; $10,000+ if it were a genuine solid gold vintage reference in good condition.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid DIY polishing of gold-toned surfaces. If mechanical, requires servicing every 5-10 years. Clean with a very soft brush and mild soap if water resistance is verified.
Similar Pieces
Rolex Datejust (often found in two-tone but lacks the 'Day' window), Rolex Sky-Dweller (larger complication).
Interesting Facts
The Day-Date earned the nickname 'The President' after being gifted to Dwight D. Eisenhower and later favored by Lyndon B. Johnson.