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Lot #1563

Rolex Day-Date 1803 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.

Loupe This Scorecard

Grade

M 8.5

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Watch Only

Est. value range

$10,000 – $15,000

The Details

Brand

Rolex

Dimensions

36mm

Model

Day-Date

Movement

Automatic cal. 1555

Reference

1803

Bracelet

18kt yellow gold President bracelet

Year

1972

Condition

Very good

Material

18kt yellow gold

Included

Watch only

Dial Color

Champagne

THE DIAL

Providing a monochromatic aesthetic to the entire timepiece, this example's champagne-colored pie-pan dial blends into its 18k yellow gold construction and handset. Furthermore, this example's hands and hour markers are extra-wide. Now this timepiece's defining feature, this rare setup is known as the "Wide Boy."

THE CONSTRUCTION

With its well-preserved case and bracelet, vivid "Wide Boy" dial furniture, and champagne dial, this example is an all-gold delight.

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 overall very good condition. Case has some wear on the lugs and throughout the surface, but bezel is still sharp and well defined. The wide boy dial is in excellent condition and has matching hands. The "Japan Made" Big-Logo president bracelet has 19 links total, and fits a smaller to medium wrist. There is light to moderate stretch.

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