The Rolex Day-Date 36 President 18038 is one of the most historically important Day-Date references Rolex ever produced. Manufactured from 1977 through 1988, the 18038 introduced the quickset date function to the Day-Date line — a meaningful refinement over the prior 1803 generation — and bridged the vintage acrylic-crystal era with the sapphire era that succeeded it with the 18238 in 1988. This 1982 example carries an additional layer of rarity: a walnut burl wood dial — a figured grain cut from the burl outgrowth of a walnut tree, prized for the naturally occurring swirls and patterns that no two examples share. Rolex offered the 18038 with a series of now-coveted exotic dials in wood, mother-of-pearl, lapis lazuli, and onyx through the late 1970s and early 1980s, produced in small numbers and increasingly difficult to find today in original, untouched condition. The 36mm 18k yellow gold Oyster case is paired with the fluted 18k yellow gold bezel and the iconic President bracelet with the hidden Crownclasp — the bracelet design synonymous with the Day-Date since 1956 that earned the model its presidential moniker. The walnut burl dial carries applied yellow gold hour markers, the day window at 12 o'clock, and the cyclops-magnified date at 3. Powered by the Rolex Caliber 3055 self-winding chronometer movement with 27 jewels and a 48-hour power reserve, the 18038 took the Day-Date forward into the modern Rolex era. Pre-owned, 1982 production, with original Rolex box and warranty papers. Affirm financing available at checkout — for this price tier, contact our team for personalized terms.