Rolex, Day-Date, "Onyx Dial", ca 1979.
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Case size: 36 mm
Material: 18K gold
Movement: automatic, caliber 3055
Year: circa 1979
Crystal: sapphire crystal
Bracelet: President bracelet in 18K gold, folding clasp, ref. 8385/55B
Reference number: 18038
Serial number: 6'174'644
Movement number: 0'279'398
Case number: 18000
Accompanied by: box
Surface wear, overall in good condition. Few marks on the sapphire crystal. Service dial, with "Exchange Only" status from Rolex - which means that you can't order it unless you already have one that needs replacing due to damage. Accompanied by extra date wheel and English day wheel.
The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, Bukowskis does not guarantee the future function of the movement. Please note that the movement has not been tested for timekeeping accuracy and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Watches have been opened to examine movements therefore no warranties are made that the watches are water-resistant. Potential buyers should inspect each watch to satisfy themselves as to condition. For more information, please read our Conditions of Purchase.
More information
A dial that has been highly attractive and collectible in recent time, is the Onyx dial for one of Rolex's most prestigious and iconic watch models, the Day-Date in 36mm. Onyx is a mineral and a variety of chalcedony. It exists in a number of different colors. For the Onyx dial, Rolex has chosen to only use the completely black parts of the stone, which gives the impression of having a perfectly deep black lacquered finish on the dial. The minimalistic impression that the all-black Onyx dial gives, combined with its fine details in yellow gold that matches the stunning 18K yellow gold case is a modest and timeless choice of dial.
First presented on the Day-Date 18038, the Onyx dial has continuously been available up until the discontinuing of the 36mm Day-Date 18238, in 2000. It has since 2000 only been available as a service dial for the classic Day-Dates and also extremely sought after, with now a limited supply controlled by Rolex which is called "Exchange Only" - which means that you can't order it unless you already have one that needs replacing due to damage. The onyx dial for the Day-Date 36 is a representation of what the Day-Date is all about. The dial is sleek, it's striking, it is elegant, and it is truly timeless.