Rolex Day-Date 18038 'Onyx Pinball'

Rolex Day-Date 18038 Onyx Dial — Elegance Carved in Stone, Crowned in Gold

There are Day-Dates — and then there are the ones that almost never made it to the display case. This example is most definitely amongst our favorites and a true "gateway" to the vintage world of Rolex. 

This reference 18038, dating back to 1988, is far more than a classic President in 18k yellow gold. It’s a rare example of Rolex’s quiet experimentation in the late 20th century — outfitted with a factory Onyx dial, a jet-black mirror of natural stone and punctuated by “pinball” set diamond hour markers that seem to float in space. 

Stone dials like this are notoriously difficult to produce — fragile, hard to cut, and almost impossible to mass-manufacture. That’s why Rolex only offered them in very limited quantities, often to specific markets or through special orders. Onyx was definitely among the few that were produced, its glassy surface offering no forgiveness during production or wear.

Inside beats the reliable caliber 3055 with quickset date — the first real modern upgrade to the Day-Date — housed in a 36mm case with sharp fluted bezel and accompanied by original paperwork that roots this piece firmly in its era. Complimented by fine 'patina' on the 18k gold case and bracelet, adding to the collectivity as a true time capsule from the 80's. 

Rolex Day-Date 18038 'Onyx Pinball': For those who don’t collect watches — they collect anomalies.