Beloved by many watch enthusiasts, the Day-Date is symbolic of both Rolex and the power they hold over the watch marketplace. Originally released in 1956, the Day-Date was (and is) a thing of beauty and an unambiguous, take-it-or-leave-it expression of the owner’s power and prominence. Since the release, it has served as the ultimate dress watch, loved by power brokers including Presidents Johnson and Kennedy – which is how it got its nickname, the “President.”
The well-balanced dial, as well as the day and date display were innovative for the time. The reference you see here is the 1803, which was part of the second series of Day-Dates released in 1958. The 1803 can be identified by the fluted bezel (as opposed to the 1802 with smooth bezel, or the 1804 with white-gold or platinum bezel set with diamonds). This particular yellow-gold version from 1964 features a beautiful gold dial with elegant stick indexes. You can't go wrong with this one.
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The Specs
Age: c.1964.
Reference: 1803.
Serial Number: 101XXXX
Movement: Automatic with Centre Seconds and Date Day Function.
Calibre: 1556.
Timekeeping: Keeping Excellent Time.
Service History: Serviced November 2024.
Dial: Original Rolex Factory Dial.
Case: 18k Gold.
Measurements: 36mm.
The Specs
Age: c.1964.
Reference: 1803.
Serial Number: 101XXXX
Movement: Automatic with Centre Seconds and Date Day Function.
Calibre: 1556.
Timekeeping: Keeping Excellent Time.
Service History: Serviced November 2024.
Dial: Original Rolex Factory Dial.
Case: 18k Gold.
Measurements: 36mm.
Bezel: Wonderful Fluted Bezel.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original Handset.
Crystal: Original.
Crown: Original.
Strap/Bracelet: On a new 20mm Hirsch Camelgrain light brown leather strap.
Lug Width: 20mm
Hands: Original Handset.
Crystal: Original.
Crown: Original.
Strap/Bracelet: On a new 20mm Hirsch Camelgrain light brown leather strap.
Lug Width: 20mm
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Well Balanced Dial.
- Day Date Wheel.
- Fluted Bezel.
- Iconic Model.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Some minor Scratches throughout the Case and Crystal.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Some minor Scratches throughout the Case and Crystal.
-Possible that the Case has been lightly polished at some stage.
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Overall the Day Date is in Lovely Vintage condition.
It's possible that the case has been lightly polished. Please remember 18k is a soft material and this watch has been worn.
Crown screws down nicely and tightly.
Crystal has some light scratches.
The Dial is in lovely Vintage Order and looks absolutely fantastic on the Wrist.
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Photographed on a 7in Wrist.
Photographed on a 7in Wrist.