Rolex Day-Date 36
Ref. 1803 - Matte White 'Red Quarter' Dial
Basic Info
Listing code : LHLVC3
Brand : Rolex
Model : Day-Date 36
Reference number : 1803
Dealer product code : OC2430
Movement : Automatic
Case material : Yellow gold
Bracelet material : Yellow gold
Year of production : 1972 (Approximation)
Condition : Used (Very good)
Scope of delivery : No original box, no original papers
Gender : Men's watch/Unisex
Location : United States of America, California, Los Angeles
Price : 16,500 [Negotiable]
Availability : Item is in stock
Caliber
Movement : Automatic
Caliber/movement : Automatic-winding chronometer certified 1556 caliber by Rolex.
Number of jewels : 26
Case
Case material : Yellow gold
Case diameter : 36 mm
Bezel material : Yellow gold
Crystal : Plexiglass
Dial : White
Dial numerals : No numerals
Bracelet/strap
Bracelet material : Yellow gold
Bracelet color : Gold
Lug width : 20 mm
Clasp : Buckle
Clasp material : Yellow gold
Functions
Date, Weekday
Other
Screw-Down Crown
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 leather strap with a matching gold buckle, but also on a solid gold bracelet (called a 'President' bracelet), like the example that we have here.
The piece that we have here, a Reference 1803 from circa 1972, is a yellow gold example with a very uncommon dial. White in color, it features an outer minute track with each interval of 15 printed in red rather than black. As such, these have become known as 'Red Quarter' dials. The condition is superb, with a crisp surface and evenly patinated Tritium plots with only minor loss and the handset matches beautifully. The case has been lightly previously polished but retains healthy, symmetrical lugs and shows normal signs of wear from age with only a few scattered blemishes throughout. The correct 'President' bracelet is in matching condition and features an adjustable blade-style clasp.
From ten feet away, this probably just looks like a run-of-the-mill Day-Date... But upon closer inspection of the dial, there is a deeper level of detail. And while you're unlikely to see another in the wild, you should probably tip your hat at that person should you see one.
Condition:
Case: Lightly previously polished retaining healthy lugs and showing normal signs of wear and some sleeve-polish throughout. There is a small blemish on the upper right lug profile and a few very small knicks scattered throughout.
Bezel: Lightly previously polished, retaining a strong 'fluted' finishing and shows matching normal wear throughout.
Dial: Matte white surface is in fantastic condition overall, with only one very small dirty area in the bottom left quadrant. The Tritium plots are uniform in color and show loss at the 2, 5, & 11:00 positions. The correct handset matches perfectly to the naked eye and under UV inspection.
Bracelet: Correct Rolex yellow gold 'President' bracelet with 18 links and signed blade clasp stamped '72.' Previously polished and shows matching normal wear throughout and mild stretch. Sized for ≈7.25" wrist.
Shipping:
All watches will be shipped via FedEx Insured Priority Overnight shipping. International shipping will be shipped via FedEx International Priority Express, always fully insured. This service is included in the listed price and will not incur any additional fees. All watches are shipped 1-2 business days after receiving payment confirmation by Chrono24. We are unable to ship watches on Saturday or Sunday.
Our Policy:
We service or perform necessary maintenance to the extent necessary to all of our watches, unless otherwise noted. All watches are listed and sold running and functioning as intended.
Our Guarantee:
Through rigorous vetting of each watch offered, we’re able to guarantee authenticity of our pieces. Ultimately, your satisfaction is our mission, as is helping you get YOUR perfect watch. If you have any questions at all, we will get back to you ASAP.
Each of our timepieces are vetted, evaluated, authenticated, and approved by our experienced team of experts and watchmakers prior to sale. We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise disclosed. We guarantee the authenticity of each watch in perpetuity.
