Watch Paparazzi

Rapper Emis Killa spotted wearing Rolex

Emis Killa, one of Italy's most prominent rappers and a known aficionado of understated luxury, was recently seen wearing a vintage Rolex Day-Date President reference 18038 in 18k yellow gold — a piece that speaks as much to horological knowledge as it does to personal style. The choice is telling: this is not a watch you stumble into, it is one you seek out.

The Rolex Day-Date ref. 18038 was manufactured between approximately 1978 and 1990, representing a pivotal generation of the Day-Date lineage. At its heart beats the calibre 3055, a 27-jewel automatic movement featuring a quickset date mechanism — a meaningful technical improvement over the earlier Cal. 1556 found in predecessor references. The movement beats at 19,800 vph and offers a power reserve of roughly 48 hours. The case measures 36mm in diameter, the canonical Day-Date size before Rolex introduced the 40mm 228238 in 2015, and is crafted entirely in 18k yellow gold, as is the signature President bracelet with its three-piece semi-circular links.

What makes this particular example especially desirable is the dial configuration: the anniversary blue sunburst finish paired with Arabic numeral hour markers. Anniversary dials — so named for their use on commemorative pieces — carry a distinct visual weight that sets them apart from the more common baton or Roman numeral variants. The combination of that deep blue lacquer with bold Arabic numerals on a yellow gold case is a classic amongst serious Rolex collectors and commands a notable premium on the secondary market.

Emis Killa has long demonstrated an appreciation for vintage and statement timepieces, and the ref. 18038 fits his aesthetic precisely — recognizable to those in the know, but free of the flashier ostentation associated with modern luxury sports watches. It is the choice of someone who has done their research.

On the grey market, a clean example of the Rolex Day-Date ref. 18038 with an anniversary blue Arabic dial typically trades in the range of $18,500 USD, reflecting strong and stable collector demand for this reference. Condition, dial originality, and bracelet integrity remain the primary value drivers. No official retail price applies, as the reference has been discontinued for over three decades.