Rolex Day-Date 18038 Petrol Blue Stella Dial in 18k Yellow Gold

Since its official debut in 1956, the Day-Date has been produced exclusively in precious metals. As the flagship model of the Genevan manufacturer, it has long been synonymous with success, frequently seen on the wrists of heads of state, royalty, and other influential figures. Most Day-Dates were fitted with discreet, conservative dials—after all, most buyers of this model preferred elegance over extravagance.

 

But Rolex made a notable exception to this unwritten rule: beginning in the 1970s, they introduced bright, high-gloss lacquered dials known today as “Stella” dials.

 

At the time, these bold colours were not widely embraced, precisely because they attracted attention. As a result, production numbers remained low, making them highly sought after today.

 

A wide array of colours is known—yellow, green, orange, red ,pink and multiple shades of blue, some embellished with gemstones, and produced across different metals. They also span various generations: from the early 18xx “pie-pan” versions to the later 18xxx models with flat dials.

 

The manufacturing process was exceptionally labor-intensive. Each dial was spray-painted and then oven-baked to set the pigment. This cycle was repeated multiple times until the desired depth of colour and finish was achieved. Afterward, the dial was polished and coated with a clear lacquer. This final step created the distinctive effect where the printed text appears to float above the glossy surface, reminiscent of the porcelain-dial Daytonas.

 

The example at hand is a second-series reference 18038, featuring a light blue—what we prefer to call “petrol blue”—Stella dial with diamond-set hour markers, and beautifully aged yellow tritium plots and fine gold printed text.The day disc is in English. The case is in outstanding condition, boasting thick, well-defined lugs and a sharp fluted bezel.

 

The President bracelet is a reference 8385 with solid end links, a concealed clasp, and fits wrists up to 18 cm.This cool blue Day-Date has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.

 

Add this exceptional petrol blue Stella to your collection — contact us to make it yours !

 

Specifications:

 

• Rolex Day-Date Reference 18038

• 36mm yellow gold case

• Serial 937xxxx, dating to 1986

• Light Blue “Stella “ diamond-set dial

• English date disc

• Yellow gold President bracelet ref 8385

• Fully serviced by our watchmaker

• One-year mechanical warranty

• Free worldwide FedEx Priority shipping