1979 Rolex Day Date Onyx Dial 'Arabic Calendar' Ref. 18038

Description

Arabic Onyx Day Date - The reference 18038 Day Date has been produced from 1978 until 1988 and comes with several upgrades from the 1803 era such as sapphire crystal and quickset date movement.

Rolex made a multitude for dials for Day Dates from this period including Stella dials, Diamond dials and Stone dials, which were introduced on Day Dates in this reference period. Prior to that Stone dials were only available on the 160X Datejust references.

To mention a few here there was Lapis, Red Jasper, Tiger Eye, Malachite and Onyx. The Onyx dial is one of the most popular stone dials on a Day Date not only because of its clean jet black appearance lacking all indexes but also the combination of black and gold works so well.

The offered 18038 is in great condition with a fantastic sharp case still featuring the green case back reference sticker indicating that it was not worn much. The lugs are well defined and bear clear lines and factory finish. The fluted bezel is sharp and crisp, giving the watch a very glamorous appearance.

The beautiful and rare Onyx dial is free of any hairlines or cracks, the gilt print is fully present. Further to enhance the rarity and appeal, the watch has Arabic calendar discs.

The entire watch is homogeneous in condition and configuration including the TSwissT dial with solid hands which is period correct for the 18038.

Onyx dial Day Dates have been and are the most popular vintage stone dial Day Dates and are very sought after, the minimalistic look of the dial lacking any markers and numbers give this very model the captivating character.