A legendary timepiece with an iconic history, the quintessential Rolex Day-Date has long been known as the ‘Watch of Prestige’, and for good reason. First introduced in 1956, it quickly became synonymous with athletes, visionaries, and world leaders—earning the nickname ‘The President’, a title that endures today as it remains Rolex’s flagship model.
From its inception, one rule has always defined the Day-Date: it was to be crafted only in precious metals, with yellow gold as the signature choice. Combined with Rolex’s reputation for durability and precision, the watch became an enduring emblem of prestige and good taste.
Released in 1978, the Rolex Day-Date 18038 marked the beginning of the next generation of Day-Dates, introducing meaningful upgrades that kept the collection ahead of its peers. Chief among them were a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal (replacing acrylic) and the ‘single quickset’ date function, allowing rapid adjustment without cycling through the entire calendar. These advancements were made possible by the new Cal. 3055, which ushered in an era of high-frequency, robust movements that continue to define Rolex’s reputation for precision and reliability today.
Crafted in 18-carat yellow gold, this 18038 retains the signature 36mm case, fluted bezel, and three-piece link ‘Presidential’ bracelet. What truly distinguishes this example, however, is its rare green Bloodstone dial; it is, without a doubt, one of the most extraordinary natural stone dials ever fitted onto a Day-Date.
You see, during this time period, Rolex began experimenting extensively with the Day-Date platform, pairing various configurations of precious metals with a wide range of exotic dial materials. The result was a rich diversity of combinations—from Lapis Lazuli to Onyx—yet Bloodstone remains one of the most coveted and sought-after. Its beautifully deep and lustrous green surface is flecked with red iron oxide, hematite-like inclusions that resemble drops of blood, creating a vivid, almost painterly contrast. This particular example is further distinguished by round ‘pinball’ diamond hour markers, adding an elegant and opulent shimmer that perfectly complements the dial’s natural colour and texture.
When it comes to exemplary pieces like this, words can hardly capture the depth and beauty of the dial, so I'll allow the images to speak for themselves.
