Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18039 – A White Gold Presidential Icon from 1978
A refined symbol of Rolex prestige and presidential elegance, this Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18039 from 1978 is crafted entirely in solid 18K white gold—a configuration far rarer than its yellow gold siblings. With a clean original silver dial and sharp, unpolished case geometry, this vintage Day-Date offers a compelling blend of collectibility, luxurious understatement, and enduring mechanical pedigree.
Presidential Presence in White Gold
This 1978 Day-Date features a solid 18K white gold case measuring 36mm, retaining its original razor-sharp lines and factory brushing—testament to its barely-worn, likely unpolished condition. The fluted bezel, also in white gold, remains in immaculate 10/10 shape, with crisp definition and perfect light play that underscores the monochrome brilliance of the piece.
Completing the silhouette is a handmade Belgian leather strap fitted with a steel Rolex-signed aftermarket buckle—adding vintage personality while maintaining cohesive luxury.
A Silver Sunburst Dial in Pristine Condition
The original silver sunburst dial is clean, with its subtle tone and texture offering an elegant contrast against the white gold case. The baton hour markers and stick hands preserve the minimalist sophistication that has come to define the Day-Date aesthetic. There is no relume or tampering—the dial is fully original, and its condition reflects decades of careful preservation.
The day and date displays, hallmarks of this model, remain crisply aligned and functional, powered by the in-house Rolex Calibre 3055 with single quickset functionality—a transitional and historically significant movement in the Day-Date lineage.
Rolex Calibre 3055 – Transitional Engineering
Beating inside is the Rolex Calibre 3055 automatic movement, introduced in the late 1970s as a modernized successor to the 1556. It brought with it a single quickset mechanism, allowing for rapid adjustment of the date—a subtle but significant improvement in everyday usability. This movement remains reliable, precise, and is a critical milestone in Rolex’s perpetual development of the Day-Date series.
Key Details:
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Reference: 18039
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Year: 1978
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Material: Solid 18K White Gold
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Case Size: 36mm
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Bezel: 18K White Gold Fluted, Mint Condition
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Dial: Original Silver Sunburst
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Movement: Rolex Calibre 3055, Automatic, Single Quickset
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Condition: Excellent vintage condition, unpolished case, pristine dial
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Strap: Handmade Leather, Steel Rolex-Signed Aftermarket Buckle
Why This Watch?
The Rolex Day-Date Ref. 18039 in white gold is a connoisseur’s choice—less ostentatious than its yellow gold peers, but infinitely refined. It’s a watch that speaks to those who know, blending subtle luxury with mechanical innovation and vintage purity. For the discerning collector, it represents an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire a Day-Date from the transitional late-70s era in an unmolested state.
Feel free to reach out with any questions or to arrange a viewing—this vintage Day-Date is not just a statement; it’s a legacy on the wrist.
