Why This Watch Matters This "double quick" Day-Date is in stunning condition with an original Rolex sticker on the caseback. Oh yeah, the linen dial doesn't hurt either. The Full Story The Rolex Day-Date has reigned supreme as king of all-gold wristwatches since its introduction in 1956. One of the original appeals of this watch was that all of the standard production models were crafted out of precious metal, signifying both luxury and status at a glance. Many U.S. Presidents and world leaders have been known to wear a Rolex Day-Date, including President Lyndon B. Johnson and the Dalai Lama. From the standpoint of a contemporary watch enthusiast, this is a classic, wearable, and very well-balanced dress watch that measures 36mm in diameter. When this model was first released, having both day and date displays on the dial was not common, adding to the Day-Date's appeal. Rolex produced the Day-Date in a number of dial configurations, and we've always been particularly fond of the linen-textured variants. These dial designs add a vintage aesthetic that can no longer be found on the current edition of the Day-Date. The light bounces off the linen dial beautifully. The reference you see here is the 18238, which was part of the fourth series of Day-Dates released in 1988. Most notably, this was the first Day-Date to feature the caliber 3155, a movement that represented a significant improvement over the previous caliber – a double quick-set function, allowing both the date and day display to be quickly adjusted. Beyond the linen dial and "double quick" movement, the watch we have here is in nearly new condition. The original green Rolex sticker on the back should be proof enough but as we turn our attention to the lugs, we see how remarkably crisp this watch is. It is worth noting that the sticker on the caseback reads "18248," a reference in this generation of Day-Dates attached to bark finished watches. This was likely a mix-up in production and is seen on other examples. Hey, Rolex isn't always perfect. We paired this Day-Date with our McBride watch strap in tan for a dressy look that can play casual as well, it's all about who is wearing it. The Fine Print Maker: RolexModel: Day-DateReference: 18238Year: 1989Case No: L561365Material: 18k yellow goldDimensions: 36mm diameter; 12mm thicknessCrystal: SapphireLume: Yes, tritiumCaliber: Rolex, self-winding, caliber 3155Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The McBride Watch Strap In TanLug Width: 20mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Linen dial- Double quick set day and date feature- Outstanding, like new condition Things To Know: - Very light scratches on case and rear of lugs- Caseback sticker shows a different reference This Day-Date is in overall stunningly excellent condition. The case is strong with very light scratches; it is unpolished in our view with the original caseback sticker intact. The hallmarks on the back of the lugs are clearly visible and crisp. The back of the lugs have some scratches from strap changes. The inside caseback is stamped 18200. The caseback sticker reads "18248," a reference in this generation of Day-Dates attached to bark finished watches. The linen-textured dial is in overall excellent condition with no flaws to note. The lume plots on the dial are original and have developed a light patina aging to an off-white tone. The lume on the hands has developed a similar patina. The hands and hour markers have developed a light patina. The crystal has some very light scratches. The dial, crown, case, and movement are all signed by Rolex. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
