The white gold Day-Date of the five-digit era. The 180xx generation replaced the 18xx series in the late 1970s and brought two changes owners still notice: a sapphire crystal in place of acrylic, and calibre 3055, the first Day-Date movement that could set the date independently of the hands.
Reference record
Production
1977–1988
Model
Day-Date (White Gold)
Case material
18k White Gold
Case size
36mm
Movement
Automatic
Calibre
Cal. 3055
Dial colours
Silver / White, Black
Market value band
$22k – $50k
Timeline
1988Superseded by the 18239 with the double-quickset calibre 3155
Notable
—Calibre 3055 is single-quickset: the date jumps from the crown, but the day still has to be advanced by running the hands through midnight.
—In this generation the trailing digit records the case metal — 18038 is yellow gold, 18039 white gold.
What the specification implies
—Calibre 3055 in this reference is single-quickset. The double-quickset calibre 3155 belongs to the 18239 that replaced it.
—The five-digit Day-Dates were specified with sapphire crystals; the four-digit 18xx references they replaced used acrylic.
Common questions
When was the Rolex 18039 produced?
The 18039 was produced from 1977 to 1988.
What movement does the Rolex 18039 use?
The Rolex 18039 runs the Cal. 3055, an automatic movement.
How do I check a Rolex 18039 with Watch Safe?
Look up the watch's serial number in the Watch Safe registry to see whether a record exists or a theft flag is attached. A registry search identifies records for a specific serial; it does not authenticate the watch. Authentication is performed in person by an independent expert authenticator, and Watch Safe records and publishes the result.