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Rolex Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) vs Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold)
Rolex's timepiece meets Rolex's chronograph
Quick Verdict
The Rolex Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) ($25,000+) and Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) ($25,000+) are closely matched timepieces at similar price points. The Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) emphasizes Rolex 3055, chronometer certified engineering while the Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) focuses on Swiss Made craftsmanship.
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Rolex
Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers)
$25,000+
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Rolex Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) | Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $25,000+ | $25,000+ |
| Case Size | 36mm | 36mm |
| Movement | Automatic, Rolex calibre 3055, quickset date | Quartz, Rolex Calibre 5055 (chronometer-certified) |
| Caliber Type | Rolex 3055, chronometer certified | Rolex 5055, in-house quartz, thermocompensated, 11 jewels |
| Power Reserve | About 42 hours | Battery |
| Water Resistance | 100m (10 ATM) per Rolex for the Oyster case | 100m (10 ATM) |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops | Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops |
| Case Material | 18k yellow gold, fluted bezel | 18k yellow gold, integrated case and bracelet |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Rolex's design language vs Rolex's approach
The Rolex Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) features a 18k yellow gold, fluted bezel case at 36mm with Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops protection. The Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) offers 18k yellow gold, integrated case and bracelet construction at 36mm with Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic, Rolex calibre 3055, quickset date vs Quartz, Rolex Calibre 5055 (chronometer-certified)
The Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) runs the Automatic, Rolex calibre 3055, quickset date (Rolex 3055, chronometer certified, About 42 hours power reserve) at standard frequency. The Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) uses the Quartz, Rolex Calibre 5055 (chronometer-certified) (Rolex 5055, in-house quartz, thermocompensated, 11 jewels, Battery reserve) at standard. The Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
36mm vs 36mm — different wrist presence
At 36mm, the Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) is similarly sized compared to the Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) at 36mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) per Rolex for the Oyster case vs 100m (10 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Same tier — different value propositions
The Rolex Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) sits at $25,000+ and the Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) at $25,000+. On the specs that outlast any price: the Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) uses Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops with About 42 hours, against Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops and Battery on the Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
100m (10 ATM) per Rolex for the Oyster case vs 100m (10 ATM)
The Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) is rated to 100m (10 ATM) per Rolex for the Oyster case while the Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) handles 100m (10 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.
Our Verdict
Rolex
Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers)
Choose the Rolex Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) if you prioritize Rolex 3055, chronometer certified engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 100m (10 ATM) per Rolex for the Oyster case water resistance. At $25,000+, it delivers Automatic, Rolex calibre 3055, quickset date with About 42 hours power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonRolex
Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold)
Choose the Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) if you value Rolex 5055, in-house quartz, thermocompensated, 11 jewels technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 36mm proportions. At $25,000+, the Quartz, Rolex Calibre 5055 (chronometer-certified) with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Rolex Day-Date 18038 (18k yellow gold, champagne dial, President, box and papers) and Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Rolex bringing Swiss Made tradition while Rolex delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How This Page Was Made
Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.