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
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$8,000 – $10,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Day-Date
Movement
Self-Winding Cal. 1555
Reference
1803
Bracelet
18k Gold President Bracelet
Year
1967
Condition
Very Good
Material
18k Yellow Gold
Included
Watch Only
Dial Color
Champagne
THE DIAL
Providing a monochromatic aesthetic to the entire timepiece, this example's champagne-colored dial blends into the ref. 1803's 18k yellow gold construction and handset.
"MADE IN JAPAN"
While unusual, Japanese-made Rolex bracelets were indeed legitimately used by Rolex to avoid the tariffs and taxes on precious metals in Japan at the time. As the bracelet was the bulk of the timepiece's gold weight, Rolex outsourced the production of their bracelets for the Japanese market to Japanese manufacturers. Watch heads would then be imported into the country and married with their respective bracelets.
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
Overall condition of the watch is very good. Original dial appears to be mint, free of any imperfections or blemishes. Crystal has light surface abrasions. Case is sharp, with some surface abrasians on the polished sides. Original Japanese made band is in very good condition with moderate stretch from average use. There are a total of 19 links in the bracelet.
Our Perspective
A legendary piece of watchmaking that reflects the time when Rolex moved from their English HQ to their Swiss one to avoid England's post-WWI taxes, this Japanese-bound Day-Date ref. 1803 is not only an iconic watch for its design but also its story.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
