DAY-DATE MODEL, REF. 18038, CASE NO. 9'311'984, CIRCA 1986

The Day-Date is well-known for having been a canvas onto which Rolex unleashed an innumerable amount of variations and experiments. Amongst the most appreciated stylistic exercises, the collector will without a doubt mention the famed hardstone, wood, and lacquered stella dials. Rolex experimented with a number of different materials for these dials: coral, malachite, marble, fossils, woods, bright vibrant colors, and many others.

The present reference 18038 features a beautiful cut of burl wood. A burl is a section of wood that forms when a tree develops a rounded growth or knot on its trunk, branches, or roots, producing an exceptionally intricate and highly figured grain. This irregular and unique pattern—filled with swirling lines, tight curls, and distinctive “eyes”—is the result of the tree reacting to stress, whether from injury, fungus, or other environmental factors. Not a species in itself, burl can occur in many types of trees, including maple, oak, and redwood, and is treasured for its ornamental richness in fine furniture, musical instruments, and artisanal crafts.

In the present watch features wonderful swirls, 'eyes', and shades of brown-orange, beautifully complementing the yellow gold case. It surely captivates one upon handling for its unique and mesmerizing pattern.