Rolex Day Date White Gold Taupe Dial 36mm 18039 

White gold Day Dates are perhaps our very favourite Rolex variant, and for us, the classic 36mm sizing sits at the top of the tree. Not only are they built like an absolute tank, with a level of finish and build quality not seen of other Rolex references from similar years, they also wear super comfortably, and are not overtly recognisable as a Rolex for the uninitiated, something perhaps valued more these days than in the past.

The 18039 is the second series of Day Date, and was quite a departure from the 1803 as it now featured a single quickset function for adjusting the date, which endows it with a level of practicality, and ease of use not seen in the 1803. The pie-pan dial was also swapped in favour of the newer flat dial, but it still retained the classic 36mm case size and brushed lugs we so love.

It utilises the aforementioned 36mm case in white gold, and is mounted to the famed President bracelet. The dial on this particular example is quite rare, and one of the coolest they've ever made in our opinion. Known as the 'Taupe', it features a sunburst finish which appears almost bronze in appearance, shifting from brown to grey depending on the light. It also features the classic 'Ghost' printing, which is white text that almost vanishes on certain angles. What's super cool about these as well, is that the tritium plots tend to burn into this sunburst finish, leaving quite consistent and appealing rings around the markers under close inspection. This particular example also features a German date wheel, which makes any watch that little bit cooler, but especially those without a quickset day as it'll make you feel less guilty about not changing it to the right day!

Surrounding this dial is the famed fluted white gold bezel, and it is powered by the famed 3055 automatic movement with single quick set for the date, and 100m of water resistance.

This particular example is a 932XXXX serial, dating from circa-1986. The case has been polished in the past, but retains very strong lugs, crisp finishes, and clear numbers between the lugs. Bezel shows some dings under a loupe, but not really visible to the naked eye. Sides of the case shows some remnants of some small dings.

The dial is in excellent condition. Shows the aforementioned tritium burn around the markers, and a few small marks across the dial as seen in the photos, mostly around the 8 marker. Hands are tritium, and in excellent condition.

Comes on what appears to be the original concealed clasp president bracelet. Shows minimal stretch for its age, and will suit up to a 7.4in wrist with 20 links in total.

Service history is unknown, but currently keeping time COSC time measured dial-up on a timegrapher, at high 200's amplitude with a 0 beat rate error, so assume it's had some attention in the not too distant past.

Comes with Watch Vault Travel Pod and Watch Vault cleaning cloth. No box or papers.

The chance to get your hands on a taupe dial 18039 doesn't rear its head too often, so don't miss your chance on this excellent example.

Brand: Rolex

Model #: 18039

Circa: 1986

Case Material: White Gold

Case Details: 36mm

Strap/Bracelet: Rolex President

Movement: Rolex 3055 automatic with Single Quickset

Dial: Taupe

Hands: White Gold

Paraphernalia: Nil

Grading: Excellent vintage condition

Watch Vault utilises the TZ grading system. Please see below for details.