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Lot #2081

Rolex Day-Date 1803 18k YG Wide Boy Dial

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Introduction

A legendary timepiece with an unrivaled history, the Rolex Day-Date has earned its place as "The Ultimate Watch of Prestige" from its decades on the wrists of the world's most influential people. Released in 1956, the Day-Date quickly became synonymous with luxury, prestige, and exclusivity thanks to being the watch of choice for the world's athletes, visionaries, and world leaders alike. Only ever constructed of precious metals, the Day-Date's aesthetic is that of sheer elegance and grace. Aside from the beautiful array of dial options that have been available over the decades, the Day-Date's most iconic piece of design is its three-piece "Presidential" or "President" bracelet. Forming the bedrock of its design, the Presidential bracelet has become synonymous with Rolex's flagship collection and their desire to create the very best and most iconic watches that the world has ever seen. With its timeless design and inescapable impact on horology, the Day-Date stands as a vivid reminder of just how successful they have been in realizing that very mission.

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Grade

V 8

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Watch Only

Est. value range

$4,000 – $6,000

The Details

Brand

Rolex

Dimensions

36mm

Model

Day-Date

Movement

Automatic cal. 1555

Reference

1803

Bracelet

Leather strap

Year

1971

Condition

Good

Material

18kt yellow gold

Included

Watch only

Dial Color

Silver

THE DIAL

Featuring a silver pie-pan dial with golden-aged day and date wheels along with well-aged lume that blends into its 18k yellow gold construction and handset, this example's dial is truly stunning. Featuring hands and hour markers that are extra-wide, this timepiece's defining feature marks it as the rare "Wide Boy" configuration.

THE CONSTRUCTION

Offered on a leather strap and sitting at a comfortable 36mm in diameter, this Day-Date ref. 1803 is as classically styled as a watch will ever get with its 18kt yellow gold construction, fluted bezel and iconic dial layout all ensuring it will stand the test of time just like it has the last 50 years.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT

This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.

Condition

Watch is in very good overall condition. Case is in good condition, with soft lugs that have lost some of their definition from polishing. Bezel knurls are soft and match the condition of the case. The dial is near-mint with nicely aged luminous plots and matching hands. Watch comes on a generic strap with a plated buckle.

Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.

Our Perspective

Exclusive to Day-Date models from the early to mid-70s, the Wide Boy dial variants form one of Rolex collecting's classic idiosyncracies whereby a seemingly small feature can have a massive impact on the rarity, collectibility, and desirability of a watch.

Justin Gruenberg

Co-founder