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Vintage 1986 Rolex DayDate President with Rare Brown Burst Dial Box Papers 18038

About the Item

Vintage 1986 Rolex Day Date President with Rare Brown Burst Dial Box Papers Maker: Rolex Model: 18038 Day Date Year: 1986 Material: 18K Yellow Gold, Brilliant cut and Baguette cut Diamonds Dial: Extremely Rare Brown Burst Dial Movement: Automatic Case Measurement: 36mm Weight: 139 grams Condition: Very good UNPOLISHED condition with Original Box and Papers - full set! Made in Switzerland very good vintage condition. unpolished. great collector's watch The 1986 Rolex Day-Date President, the crown jewel of the Rolex catalog, stands as a captivating fusion of mastery and elegance. Debuting in 1956, the Day-Date is the first wristwatch to spell out all seven days of the week, a feat attributed to the extra-wide aperture at 12 o'clock on the dial. With an engaging history, the Day-Date became widely recognized as the "President" watch, a title strengthened by its appearance on President Lyndon B. Johnson's wrist. This iconic timepiece continued to grace the wrists of influential figures, including Presidents Gerald Ford and Bill Clinton. Notably, Marilyn Monroe's rumored gift of a Rolex Day-Date to John F. Kennedy in 1962 adds a touch of intrigue and glamour to its legacy, The ref. 18038, a significant stride in the Day-Date series, introduced innovations such as the sapphire crystal and a single quick-set date function, marking the end of the classical pie-pan dial era in 1978. Amidst this evolution, the rare brown burst dial emerges as a distinctive feature —- a rare indulgence setting this vintage beauty apart. During this transformative period, the Day-Date solidified its reputation as a timepiece for world leaders and power brokers. In the intricate world of timepieces, possessing the original box and papers transforms a vintage watch into a cherished piece of history. The Day-Date President is not just a watch; it's a living narrative, a chapter in the stories of leaders and luminaries. Stephanie Windsor guarantees the proper functioning of this watch mechanism for ONE year from the purchase date. Our watches are guaranteed to be of the period, material and manufacturer stated. Any damage due to accidents and/or wear and tear from use is excluded from this warranty. Stephanie Windsor is an independent watch dealer and is not authorized endorsed, sponsored by, associated with and/or affiliated with the original watch maker brand. Stephanie Windsor only sells preowned, vintage, and refurbished watches that are subject to one or more of the following: Repair and replacement of damaged or worn parts, replacement of the original watch crystal with aftermarket crystals. The original maker of the watch is not under any obligation to service watches sold by Stephanie Windsor.

Creator:
Rolex
Design:
President Day Date Watch
Case Material:
18k Gold,Yellow Gold
Stone:
Diamond
Stone Cut:
Baguette Cut
Weight:
139 g
Strap Material:
Gold
Case Shape:
Round
Movement:
Case Dimensions:
Diameter: 1.42 in (36 mm)
Style:
Modern
Place of Origin:
Switzerland
Period:
Late 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1986
Condition:
very good vintage condition. unpolished. great collector's watch with box and papers/ full set!
Seller Location:
New York, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1661121285182
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Rolex

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

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