Manufacturer: Rolex
Year: Circa 1987
Reference No: 18038, inside caseback stamped 18000
Movement No: 1’415’792
Case No: 9’462’099
Model Name: Day-Date “Stella”
Material: 18K yellow gold
Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3055, 27 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex President bracelet, endlinks stamped “55”, max length 185mm
Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex concealed clasp stamped “8385”
Dimensions: 36mm diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
The Rolex Day-Date Stella has long been a favorite among collectors since its debut in the 1970s. Admired for its vibrant array of colors that spans almost every hue on the color wheel, these special lacquered dials enhance the watch's appeal, setting it apart with their vivacious glossy luster. Today, Day-Dates featuring these rare and exciting dials are among the most sought-after and collectible examples in the vintage watch scene.

Launched during the 1970s, these colorful dials were produced by a company named Stella, based in Châtelaine and Geneva. The firm supplied Rolex’s dial makers with unique lacquer types, leading to the name it proudly bears. As the colors were hand-mixed throughout the production process, there may be variations in different hues, making them some of the most interesting dials to collect, as no two are exactly alike.

The reference 18038 was introduced in 1978 and was available with various dials. This particular example boasts the last series of the stella dial featuring Roman numerals at every 5 minutes. One would be amazed by the exhilarating contrast between the yellow gold case and the seductive glossy coral red Stella dial. The case’s outstanding sharp edges are well-defined, and the lugs are thick and strong with crisp hallmarks. Further paired with its President bracelet, this is an exciting and impressive example of the rare and sought-after “Stella” Day-Date.
Artist Biography
Rolex
Swiss • 1905
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.
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