This replica day-date 118238 puts the 118238 reference on your wrist with a gold dial and a 36mm yellow-gold-finish case. The 118238 is the previous-generation counterpart to the current 228238, sharing the same 36mm diameter but using an older movement architecture and slightly different lug geometry. A full gold dial with stick indices creates a monochromatic warm palette that has defined the Day-Date since its introduction in 1956. Day and date windows sit in their standard positions: day spelled across 12, date magnified at 3.

Technical Overview

• Case diameter: 36mm
• Case material: yellow gold finish
• Dial color: gold with stick indices
• Day display: full text at 12 o’clock
• Date display: Cyclops at 3 o’clock
• Bezel: fluted
• Crystal: sapphire
• Movement: automatic

The 118238 belongs to the 118-series that Rolex produced from the early 2000s through the mid-2010s. It replaced the 18238, which itself replaced the original 1803 and 18038 references.

Inside the Movement

The automatic caliber in the 118238 predates the Caliber 3255 used in the current 228238 but still provides instantaneous day and date switching at midnight. Power reserve sits in the standard range for automatic movements of this era. The gold day-date president on this reference wears almost identically to the newer 228238 in gold; the main differences are internal and in minor case finishing details. If your interest leans toward a different metal altogether, the 118235F white dial offers the same generation in an Everose case with a lighter face. For a full overview, browse the Day-Date collection where both current and previous-generation models are listed.

What Sets It Apart

The 118238 gold dial is one of the most produced Day-Date configurations in history, which makes it immediately recognizable. Its yellow-gold case and matching dial have appeared on more wrists, in more photographs, and at more formal events than arguably any other single reference in the Day-Date catalog. This replica day-date 118238 preserves that classic gold-on-gold formula from the generation just before the current lineup.