Rolex Day-Date "Baguette" ref. 18238 from 1986

The reference 18238, introduced around 1988, represents an important evolution of the classic 36mm yellow-gold Day-Date. While retaining the proportions and unmistakable appearance of its predecessor, the ref. 18038, it introduced the caliber 3155, bringing independent quick-setting of both the day and date for the first time to the Day-Date.

This particular example is distinguished by one of the most desirable "champagne" dial configurations of the reference: the Baguette diamond dial.

Rather than using conventional applied baton indexes, Rolex set the dial with elongated baguette-cut diamonds, creating a remarkably architectural appearance. Baguette cutting emphasizes clarity and proportion rather than brilliance alone: its long, parallel facets produce broad flashes of light and give each stone a clean, geometric character particularly well suited to the restrained symmetry of the Day-Date.

Factory gem-set Day-Date dials occupy a fascinating corner of Rolex collecting. Throughout its history, the Day-Date served as a canvas for some of the manufacture's most unusual creations, including stone, lacquered, mother-of-pearl and gem-set dials. Within this tradition, the baguette dial represents an especially classic and elegant expression of Rolex gem-setting — unmistakably luxurious, yet considerably more restrained than pavé-set executions.

Model: Day-Date
Year of Manufacture: 1986
Reference number: 18238
Material: 18K Yellow Gold
Dimensions: 36mm
Crystal Material: Sapphire
Luminescent Material: No
Movement: 3155
Bracelet measurement: 18.5cm
Bracelet: 8385
Box/Papers: No
Mechanical Operation Warranty: 6 months.

Comments: Watch working properly, sharp edges on the case, verified original dial with no imperfections.