1974 Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 Silver ‘Satin’ 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.

 

Made in different precious metals and with almost infinite dial variations, it would not be superseded by its five-digit replacement until the late 1970’s, nearly 20 years later.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 1974 in 18K white gold.

 

The flawless silver ‘Satin’ dial features a stunning pearl-like hue and rare minute-tracker. The lume plots which are partially present show a creamy patina hue that matches with that on the original hands.

 

The 18K white gold case is presented in strong, even condition, preserving thick lugs, and showing light signs of wear. The 18K white gold bezel remains in the same shape. The case back is preserved in the same condition, being correctly engraved on the inner side. All gold hallmarks remain clearly visible. The crown is the original in white gold.

 

The watch is running great and keeping time, although service history is unknown.

 

The acrylic crystal has some very minor scratches that could be easily buffed away.

 

It comes suited on a handmade leather strap with Rolex buckle. Additionally, it comes with an Italian-made 18k white gold ‘President’ bracelet.

 

Macros of case and dial are available under request.