Rolex Day-Date in Yellow Gold ref 1803 Grey Dial 1971 on President bracelet

Maker: Rolex
Model: Day-Date
Reference: 1803
Dial: Grey with blueish hue
Year: early 1971
Material: 18k Yellow Gold
Dimensions: 36 mm diameter, 12.5mm thickness
Case Serial: 2598168
Lug width: 20mm
Lume: Yes, tritium
Crystal: Plexiglass
Caliber: Caliber 1556 automatic-winding movement
Service History: January 2022, running at +12.1 seconds per day
Bracelet/Strap: 18k Gold Rolex President Bracelet with 53 end links, stamped 1/71 indicating that it was manufactured in the first quarter of 1971. Approximate max wrist size 17.5cm or 6.8 inches.
Box/Papers: None

There is no question that the Rolex Day-Date is one of the most iconic watches ever produced by any watch brand. Even to those who don’t know anything about watches, the Day-Date is something that is instantly recognizable. First released in 1956, the vintage reference that is the most well known is the model we have on offer here, the legendary Ref. 1803. Since its introduction, the Day-Date quickly became Rolex's top of the line model, thus cementing itself as one of the most revered luxury watches and later, becoming known as ‘the President’. Rolex made many Day-Dates in all sorts of variations with different precious metals and dial configuration. This example features a rare and attractive blueish grey dial. Depending on the light conditions, the grey dial reflects a hint of a light blue tone that is very pleasing to the eyes. The remarkable combination of a grey dial and a yellow gold case is a rarity, making this Rolex truly unique. The striking contrast between the cool grey and the inviting gold colors bestows a distinctly modern touch to the timepiece. To complete the Day-Date look, the watch is complemented by the timeless hidden clasp gold President bracelet.

Overall, this Rolex Day Date ref 1803 is in excellent condition. As can be estimated from the case serial, the watch was produced in early 1971. The gold President bracelet is stamped 1/71 indication that it was produced during the first quarter of 1971. As such, the bracelet is most likely the gold bracelet that came originally with the watch. The 18k yellow gold case is very well preserved and still has thick and sharp lugs. The grey dial is in great condition with no tarnishing or blemishes on the dial. All lume plots remain in tact and the lume plots have developed an attractive cream color. There is some oxidation visible on the index markers and applied Rolex crown symbol on the dial. The dial, case, crown, movement, and bracelet are all signed by Rolex. The hallmarks on the case are well defined and legible, as are the hallmarks on the bracelet and the inside of the caseback. The bracelet is in good condition with just a slight stretch between the links with some light scratches, as can be expected from a watch of this age. The Rolex logo on the clasp is in crisp shape too. The bracelet can fit up to a wrist size of 175mm / 6.8 inches.

The watch was serviced by the previous owner in 2022 and was checked by our watchmaker. It is currently running well at +12.1 seconds per day.

Ships from Japan