Description

For sale is a Rolex Day-Date reference 18038 in 18k yellow gold, fitted with one of the most coveted dial configurations in the entire history of the President’s watch: the “Lacquered Stella” in bordeaux/burgundy. This deep oxblood lacquer dial – high-gloss, jewel-toned, and utterly unlike anything else in the Rolex catalogue, transforms an already iconic watch into something genuinely rare. Presented on a brown crocodile leather strap with a yellow gold Rolex buckle, this is a sophisticated and wearable configuration.

The ‘Lacquered Stella’ – Rolex at Its Most Expressive

In the 1970s, Rolex made an unexpected and audacious decision: to offer its flagship Day-Date President in a series of intensely coloured, high-gloss lacquered dials. These were not the subdued champagnes and silvers the brand was known for. These were turquoise, coral, yellow, green, and bordeaux. The name “Stella” derives from Stella S.A., the Geneva-based company that supplied the specialist lacquer pigments used in production. Remarkably, “Lacquered Stella” is not a collector nickname but the official designation used by Rolex in period catalogues, one of the very few Rolex monikers that is not fan-assigned.

A Distinctive Vintage Configuration

The lacquering process was extraordinarily labour-intensive. Dials were sprayed with pigment and baked; the cycle was repeated until the required depth of colour and gloss was achieved, then hand-polished and finished with a transparent varnish. This final step created the characteristic “floating” quality of the indices that are suspended above the dial surface, catching light with a three-dimensional presence that photographs cannot fully capture. The result is closer in feel to a piece of jewellery than a standard watch dial.

The Dial

The watch features a beautiful burgundy sunburst dial that shifts tone depending on the light, ranging from deep wine red to brighter ruby hues. Applied gold-tone hour markers and matching hands provide excellent contrast and legibility.

The day-date display at 3 o’clock adds balance to the dial, while the magnifier lens emphasizes the date function, a signature detail of this style of watch.

Specifications

Brand: Rolex

Model: Day-Date Automatic 18038

Year: circa 1970s

Case material: 18-karat yellow gold

Case diameter: approx. 36 mm

Bezel: Textured gold-tone bezel

Dial: Burgundy sunburst dial

Strap: Burgundy leather strap (crocodile-style)

Movement: Automatic

Condition: Good vintage condition with light signs of wear consistent with age

Accessories: Watch only (no box or papers)

Warranty: 1 year warranty

Collector Appeal

Vintage day-date watches remain highly collectible due to their timeless design and everyday usability. This example offers several characteristics that make it especially appealing:

Rare burgundy sunburst dial
Classic day-date complication
Textured gold-tone case
Balanced 36 mm vintage proportions

Together, these elements create a watch that is both distinctive and wearable, ideal for collectors or anyone looking for a standout vintage piece.

Availability

This vintage day-date automatic watch is available through Vintage Times Amsterdam.

For further information or high-resolution images, please feel free to contact:

Vintage Times

Vintage Times Amsterdam is a small watch boutique who mainly deals online and with a select group of private collectors. We are constantly looking for rare vintage timepieces and try to present the best condition available. Please don’t hesitate to get in contact for more information about this watch or other timepieces from our collection. We ship worldwide and also welcome you for a visit at our office in Amsterdam

Vintage Times

email: [email protected]

tel / app: +31 6 4 1111 044