Notes: The first Day-Date came to market in the 1950's, boasting an innovative movement that offered not only the iconic date aperture, but the day spelled out in full as well. The ref. 18078 is an older preowned Rolex, coming to market in the late 1970's, and featuring a striking barked bezel and bracelet. This textured finish creates immense dimension and character, offering a truly unique statement piece. A black dial contrasts nicely against the 18 karat yellow gold finish and boasts diamond hour markers and yellow gold hour, minute, and seconds hands. Similar to other Day-Date models, the case is worn on a supple President bracelet secured by a hidden Crownclasp.

Mechanism: The Cal. 3055 released in 1977, it formed part of the 3000 series of movements that ushered in the high beat frequency era, giving the emblematic flowing seconds hand of all latter day Rolexes. It was the fifth generation Rolex Day-Date movement The Cal. 3055 brought many changes for both the day and the date functions but, as a single Quickset movement, only the date could be adjusted with the crown An unusual aspect of the Cal. 3055 is, unlike the vast majority of Rolex’s engines, it was only ever used in one model of watch. This was the 1977 edition of the 18038 Day-Date.

Family Notes: The Rolex Day-Date was introduced in 1956. It soon became known as the "Rolex President". It was unofficially renamed after President Eisenhower became associated with this model watch. This association was made as the watch was known to have been worn by LBJ and shared a scandalous connection to JFK. Since then it has earned the vote of a diverse array of potentates, including Warren Buffett, Jay Z, and (fictional character) Tony Soprano. In 1977, Rolex started using the new (at the time) 3055 movement for the Day-Date/President line. As of 2018, the Day-Date 40 uses the 3255 movement.