Rolex Day-Date

Few watches make a statement like a solid gold Rolex. This anachronistic blend of technical design and functionality with a precious metal casing material is a polarizing one, and depending on how its worn (and indeed, by whom), can send very different signals - and we'll just leave it at that.  So-called “five digit” Day-Dates (reference variants with five digits) are a quintessential staple of the Neo-Vintage era. These models showed up in the late 70s and offer the added functionality of a higher-beat movement for accuracy and a quick-set date mechanism. They retain the classic 36mm case proportion of their predecessors and have similar variation for dial, bezel, and bracelet configurations. Luminous models also retain Tritium material, offering tremendous opportunities for unique characteristics of patina. This particular example, a Reference 18238, dates to circa 1993 and features an 18k yellow gold case, a champagne dial with both Tritium lume plots and applied baton indices, an 18k fluted bezel, and a matching 18k yellow gold President bracelet with a hidden deployant clasp. When only a gold Rolex will do, this Day-Date is an excellent choice!