Rolex Day-Date 1803

Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 - Matte Black Dial

When the Day-Date was released in 1956, Rolex had made numerous attempts to capture the market with more complicated timepieces such as the Ref. 6036, the Ref. 8171, and the Ref. 6062, but it seemed like buyers were not particularly fond of complicated Rolexes. All of that changed when President Dwight D. Eisenhower was spotted wearing one Rolex in particular: a Day-Date. The model has since become known worldwide as ‘The President’ and as a symbol of success and prestige. Simply put, this one stuck. The Day-Date was available for many years on a matching solid gold bracelet (called a 'President' bracelet), but also on a leather strap like the example that we have here. The piece that we have, a Reference 1803, dates to circa 1972 and is offered in excellent overall condition, with a surprisingly uncommon dial. The Oyster case has been professionally restored to factory specifications and presents beautifully. It shows light signs of wear throughout with crisp and clear hallmarks on the lug undersides. The characteristic 'fluted' yellow gold bezel has seemingly been spared any polishing, and retains crisp and vibrant finishing and shows matching wear. Typically reserved for Rolex's 'Professional' models, the dial inside is matte black in color, rather than a more usual sunburst or satin unit. It remains in outstanding condition and features applied indices and fully-intact Tritium plots, which are complimented by a matching handset. Especially when fitted to a leather strap, this 'elevated' piece remains very much under-the-radar and is suitable for virtually any occasion, on virtually any wrist.