1990 Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18038 Champagne ‘Diamond-set’ dial in 18k Yellow Gold

$11,800.00

By 1990, the Rolex Day-Date ref. 18038 had fully stepped into the modern era while preserving everything that made the Day-Date the ultimate symbol of accomplishment. Sapphire crystal, quickset day and date, and the robust caliber 3055 brought technical refinement — but the soul of the watch still lived in its dial and gold case.

And this 1990 example speaks fluently.

The sunburst champagne dail is flawless, radiating warm metallic depth under light. Factory-set diamond hour markers elevate the composition without overwhelming it — brilliant-cut stones around the dial, paired with elegant baguette-cut diamonds at 6 and 9 o’clock, adding symmetry and hierarchy. The print remains razor crisp, floating cleanly above the shimmering champagne backdrop.

The lume plots are fully intact and have aged into a soft, creamy hue that matches perfectly with the original handset.

The 18k yellow gold case is exceptionally strong, showing thick lugs, razor-sharp edges, and factory finishes still clearly defined. The case back hallmarks are deeply engraved and fully legible, reinforcing the integrity of the piece.

Fitted on an unworn leather strap, the watch feels composed and versatile, allowing the dial’s geometry and the gold’s presence to remain the focal point.

A diamond-set Day-Date can be bold.

This one is precise.

Clean champagne brilliance.

Sharp gold architecture.

Understated power in its purest form.

Brand: Rolex

Model: Day-Date

Reference: 18038

Serial: E356xx

Year: 1990

Case material: 18k yellow gold

Case dimensions: 36mm excluding crown