1972 Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 'Silver dial' 18K White Gold

Launched in 1956, the Day-Date arrived 11 years after its closest cousin, the Datejust.

 

The ref. 1803 is to the Day-Date what the ref. 1601 is to the Datejust; the model where all the most important engineering and aesthetic details were squared away and the one which would go on to secure the piece’s unassailable reputation.

 

Ford, Kennedy, Reagan, Nixon, Roosevelt, Johnson… These are just some of the wearers of the Rolex Day-Date in gold. A watch that represents success, hard work, status, character, power, and respect has been chosen by many personalities as their daily beater, and there’s no wonder why.

 

It would not be superseded by its five-digit replacement until the late 1970’s, nearly 20 years later. During those two decades, it became the epitome of aspirational luxury.

This example offered here is a Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 from 1972 in 18K white gold.

 

It features a flawless sunburst silver dial with creamy tritium lume plots that match with that on the original hands.

 

The 18K white gold case is presented in superb condition too, remaining sharp and even, and showing very little wear for its age, with only minor signs of use. The 18K white gold bezel remains in the same shape. The case back is preserved in the same condition. All gold hallmarks remain clearly visible.

 

The watch is running great and keeping time, as it has been fully serviced.

 

It comes suited on an unworn handmade leather strap with white gold Rolex buckle.

 

Macros of case and dial, as well as movement, inner case back and service pictures are available under request.