Rolex Day-Date 36 Yellow Gold Real Lapis Lazuli Aftermarket Dial 1979 (Serviced)

Rolex Day-Date 18038 Lapis Lazuli Dial – Yellow Gold Head Only

Rolex stands at the forefront of Swiss watchmaking, known for producing highly robust, precise, and enduring timepieces that have shaped the industry for decades. Among its most iconic creations, the Day-Date has held a special position since its debut in 1956 as the first wristwatch to display both the date and the day spelled in full. Crafted exclusively in precious metals, the model has long been associated with prestige and distinction.

The Day-Date 18038 represents a key reference within the collection, pairing Rolex’s technical reliability with refined aesthetics from the late 1970s and early 1980s. This generation introduced a quickset date mechanism, improved movement architecture, and a design language that remains deeply admired today. When fitted with a rare stone dial—such as lapis lazuli—it becomes an especially desirable variant, appreciated by collectors for its craftsmanship, visual depth, and scarcity.

Key Details To Consider

Rolex Day-Date 18038 in yellow gold presented as a head-only configuration and retained in very nice condition. The case maintains thick, sharp lugs with natural wear consistent with age, showing no notable damage. Its fluted bezel remains crisp, and the crystal exhibits only minor surface marks.

This example features a genuine lapis lazuli stone dial identical to factory specification. The dial is flawless, free of cracks or imperfections, and paired with original period-correct tritium hands. All case numbers are fully visible and intact, with a 6.3 million serial placing production around 1979.

The movement received a full professional service in December 2025, runs accurately, and has been pressure tested to 3ATM (30m). The watch is fitted with a 20/16mm brown suede leather strap and a gold-plated Rolex pin buckle.

Inquire about this item