Rolex Day-Date President 18028

The Reference 18028 is the smooth-bezel Day-Date from the 180xx series, produced c. 1978-1988. Its technical configuration is a 36mm case in 18k yellow gold (8) with a smooth, domed bezel (2). This reference is historically significant as it belongs to the first Day-Date generation to feature two major modernizing upgrades: a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and the Caliber 3055 movement with a “single quickset” date function. While less common than its fluted 18038 counterpart, the 18028 offered a cleaner, more contemporary aesthetic. It was available with the full range of exotic wood, stone, and “Stella” enamel dials, making a smooth-bezel model with such a dial a particularly rare and desirable configuration for collectors.