Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated

Rolex Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) vs Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold)

Rolex's timepiece meets Rolex's chronograph

Quick Verdict

The Rolex Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) ($25,000+) and Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) ($25,000+) are closely matched timepieces at similar price points. The Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) emphasizes Rolex 3155, in-house automatic, chronometer engineering while the Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) focuses on Swiss Made craftsmanship.

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Rolex Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial)

Rolex

Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial)

$25,000+

Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold)

Rolex

Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold)

$25,000+

Specifications Compared

FeatureRolex Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial)Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold)
Price$25,000+$25,000+
Case Size36mm36mm
MovementAutomatic, Rolex Calibre 3155Quartz, Rolex Calibre 5055 (chronometer-certified)
Caliber TypeRolex 3155, in-house automatic, chronometerRolex 5055, in-house quartz, thermocompensated, 11 jewels
Power ReserveAbout 48 hoursBattery
Water Resistance100m (10 ATM)100m (10 ATM)
CrystalSapphire Crystal, CyclopsSapphire Crystal, Cyclops
Case Material18k yellow gold18k yellow gold, integrated case and bracelet
OriginSwiss MadeSwiss Made

Category-by-Category Analysis

🎨

Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Rolex's design language vs Rolex's approach

The Rolex Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) features a 18k yellow gold 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

Edge: Rolex

Automatic, Rolex Calibre 3155 vs Quartz, Rolex Calibre 5055 (chronometer-certified)

The Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) runs the Automatic, Rolex Calibre 3155 (Rolex 3155, in-house automatic, chronometer, About 48 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 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) edges ahead on power reserve.

📏

Wearability & Fit

Edge: Draw

36mm vs 36mm — different wrist presence

At 36mm, the Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) is similarly sized compared to the Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) at 36mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).

💰

Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Draw

Same tier — different value propositions

The Rolex Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) 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 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) uses Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops with About 48 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

Edge: Draw

100m (10 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM)

The Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) handles 100m (10 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.

Our Verdict

Rolex

Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial)

Choose the Rolex Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) if you prioritize Rolex 3155, in-house automatic, chronometer engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. At $25,000+, it delivers Automatic, Rolex Calibre 3155 with About 48 hours power reserve.

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Rolex

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.

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The Bottom Line

The Rolex Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) 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

The Rolex Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) is the better buy if you want a mechanical movement; the Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) is the better buy if you want quartz accuracy with no servicing. Neither is better at everything; the spec table above shows movement, case size, water resistance and crystal side by side so you can weigh what matters to you. We do not test units, so this is the makers' data, not a bench result.
Both are priced similarly, making this a question of preference rather than value. The Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) emphasizes Rolex 3155, in-house automatic, chronometer technology while the Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) prioritizes Rolex 5055, in-house quartz, thermocompensated, 11 jewels precision.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The Day-Date 18238 (18k yellow gold, blue diamond dial) at 36mm with 100m (10 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Oysterquartz Day-Date 19018 (18k yellow gold) at 36mm with 100m (10 ATM) is similarly capable. Both use Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops, which resists scratches well.

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.