18K Yellow Gold Rolex Day-Date 'President' Style Watch with Fluted Bezel
Watch (Luxury Dress Watch) · Two-tone appearance (Yellow Gold and Steel/White metal), though visible tarnishing and wear to base metal suggest gold-colored coatings over non-precious alloys.
Purity: 18K (750 fineness) marked; however, visible plating wear indicates this specific item is likely base metal with gold plating rather than solid gold.
Type
Watch (Luxury Dress Watch)
Purity
18K (750 fineness) marked; however, visible plating wear indicates this specific item is likely base metal with gold plating rather than solid gold.
Gold Type
Two-tone appearance (Yellow Gold and Steel/White metal), though visible tarnishing and wear to base metal suggest gold-colored coatings over non-precious alloys.
Weight
Estimated 100g - 150g for a standard size; however, this piece may be lighter due to non-solid construction.
Description
A luxury-inspired timepiece designed to emulate the iconic Rolex 'President' Day-Date. It features a fluted bezel, champagne dial with stone markers, and a distinctive three-link bracelet. While intended to project high status, the item shows significant surface degradation typical of plated fashion accessories.
Key Features
Cyclops magnification lens over date, fluted bezel, President-style link bracelet, and 18K/Rolex branding stamps on the clasp.
Color & Finish
Yellow gold tone on center links and bezel; brushed and polished steel tone on outer links. Significant brassing and gray base metal exposure on the inner clasp and link edges.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clasp shows 'ROLEX', 'GENEVE', 'SWISS MADE', and '18K' stamps. The markings appear shallow and lack the precision of authentic Swiss punch marks.
Dimensions Estimate
36mm case diameter (Standard Day-Date size), 20mm lug width, approximately 7.5 inch bracelet length.
Gemstones & Inlays
Diamond-style hour markers on the dial, likely cubic zirconia or glass 'simulants' based on the lack of precision in the settings.
Clasp & Closure
Hidden crown folding clasp (President style) with visible hinge and stamped inner blades.
Chain & Links
Three-piece semi-circular 'President' links. Visible 'gold' wear on the inner parts of the links where friction occurs, revealing a different metal underneath.
Craftsmanship Details
Cast components with stamped markings. The edges of the link segments are rough and the gold application is thin (electrotyped), characteristic of low-to-mid tier imitation jewelry.
Authentication Indicators
Major Red Flags: 18K gold should not 'wear off' to reveal gray metal. Authentic 18K Rolex watches are solid gold through and through. The stamping on the clasp is blurred and inconsistent.
Origin & Maker
Branded as Rolex (Switzerland), but manufacturing characteristics suggest a non-authorized replica production.
Era & Period
Design is based on the Mid-Century Modern to Contemporary Rolex Day-Date aesthetics (1956-present).
Age Estimate
Design mimics models from the 1990s-2000s; physical wear suggests a modern-era mass-produced item.
Cultural Significance
Representing the pinnacle of achievement, the Day-Date is one of the most recognized status symbols in the world of horology and business.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. Significant 'brassing' (gold layer wearing off to reveal base metal), surface scratches, and grime buildup. The plating is failing on high-friction areas.
Value Estimate
Nominal value ($10-$50) as a fashion accessory/replica. If solid 18K gold, the melt value alone would exceed $6,000, but this item does not appear to be solid gold.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid chemicals and moisture as it will accelerate the corrosion of the base metal. Clean only with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Professional service is not recommended as the cost exceeds the value.
Similar Items
Authentic Rolex Day-Date 18238 or 118238 (Solid gold), Tudor 'Prince' Date Day (Sister brand), or high-end plated homage watches like Bulova Super Seville.
Interesting Facts
The Rolex Day-Date was the first watch to display the day of the week spelled out in full. It earned the 'President' nickname after being gifted to Dwight D. Eisenhower.