THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 19018
YEAR: 1986
CASE DIAMETER: 36MM
CASE MATERIAL: 18K YELLOW GOLD
BRACELET MATERIAL: 18K YELLOW GOLD
MOVEMENT: QUARTZ
The Oysterquartz Day-Date was first introduced in 1977 as Rolex’s response to the Quartz Crisis, alongside similar efforts by other leading Swiss watch manufacturers. Although it remained in the Rolex catalogue until around 2003, it was produced in significantly lower numbers than its automatic counterparts, partly because it actually cost more when new.
This 1986 example has led a very easy life. The champagne dial is flawless, with matching day and date wheels and beautifully aged creamy tritium lume plots. The case is equally impressive, with virtually no perceptible stretch to the bracelet. Rolex fitted a new battery in late 2024.