Rolex Day-Date “Qaboos” 18k Yellow Gold Ref. 18038 Circa 1985

Reverently referred to as the “President” in watch collecting circles, the Rolex Day-Date has indeed been worn by many US Presidents. However, the moniker also speaks to the Day-Date’s stately position in both Rolex's line and in horological history. The Day-Date is considered the ultimate expression of Rolex’s upscale panache, a watch that takes the instantly recognizable form factor of an Oyster case and (most often) a textured bezel and elevates it by rendering it in precious metals and adds in a day wheel complication. In fact, the Day-Date was the first watch to offer both date and a day complication with the full day spelled out. A history maker, a watch that projects status like none other, and a model with an immense amount of variation available between references as Rolex has produced the Day-Date consistently since it first debuted in 1956.

Photographed here, our extremely rare, Rolex Day-Date “Qaboos” is a highly coveted, limited-edition piece for Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman. Distinguished by its unique dial bearing the Sultan's red or gold insignia (in this case red), Rolex produced these watches in limited quantities during the 1970s and 1980s, primarily as gifts from the Sultan to dignitaries, military officials, and close associates. The collaboration between Rolex and Sultan Qaboos was facilitated by Asprey of London, a luxury goods dealer, which added a layer of exclusivity to these already rare pieces. This particular example is in wonderful overall condition with period patina visible throughout and it’s distinctive Tiger Eye stone dial is a sight to see! 

For more information, please contact us today.