Rolex Day-Date ref. 1803

A Vintage Rolex Day Date is as at home under the cuff of a casual sweater as it is tucked into a suit cuff. This example, produced in 1968 and sold in 1970, comes as a “Full Set”. Take a look at all the details here.

CONDITION
This iconic “Full Set” yellow gold Rolex reference 1803 “President” Day Date is overall original and in excellent condition.
The original gray “Pie pan” dial turned into a beautiful and warm hue. All tritium sincsulfide on the dial and hands is well preserved and still intact, and says “T swiss T” at 6 like it should. The 18k yellow gold Oyster-case and “President-bracelet” with folding clasp are sharp (18 – 20 cm wrist circumference) and confirm the production period. The Bezel is still sharp and is permanently playing with the light. The watch is slightly touched up by our watchmaker, of course preserving the original shape. In the pictures you can see his dedication and craftsmanship. All hallmarks, the reference number and the case number are clear and crisp, indicating the production year of +/- 1968 (211XXXX). Inside the Oyster case, it houses Rolex’s caliber 1556, which had a full service in April 2022. The mechanism, beating at a rate of 19,800 A/h is Rolex’s second generation Day-Date movement, featuring a highly-practical day and date function.

Al you can see on our pictures, this stunner comes as a “Full Set” with the original box, booklet, punched Rolex paper booklet, Bureaux Suisses Timing Certificate, Calendar (1970), Rolex tag, etc.

In our opinion, a Real Vintage Day-Date in yellow gold with President bracelet is a triumph in design and restrained opulence. From the beginning in the late 50-ies until today, the Rolex Day-Date is a status symbol for the elite.

Viewings can be arranged by appointment only, at our showroom 15 minutes from Amsterdam (Holland).


A BIT OF HISTORY
Originally introduced in 1956, as the reference 6510 and 6511, the highly-successful Rolex Day-Date was designed as a luxury sports-watch, manufactured exclusively in precious metals. Perhaps one of the most famous of a breed of dress-watches from the late 1950s and early 60s, the Day-Date, is simple and clean in design, with excellent resistance to both shock and moisture. Colloquially referred to as the “President”, the Rolex Day-Date earned the nickname in a typically genius marketing move by the brand - reportedly gifting a Day-Date watch to then President of the United States, Dwight Eisenhower. The brand claimed in its marketing materials of the time that “Men who guide the history of the world, wear Rolex watches” and neither the Day-Date’s ageless elegance, prestige, nor high value, have faded since. The “President” name is often associated with a particular style bracelet, accompanying many Rolex Day-Date watches.