Fine Watches
Fine Watches
Day-Date 'The Crown Prince' , Reference 1803 | A pink gold wristwatch with day, date and bracelet | Circa 1968
Lot Closed
February 8, 02:01 PM GMT
Estimate
50,000 - 100,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
Rolex
Day-Date 'The Crown Prince', Reference 1803
A pink gold wristwatch with day, date and bracelet
Circa 1968
Dial: gilt
Calibre: cal. 1556 automatic, 26 jewels
Movement number: DD’035’746
Case: 18k pink gold, screw-down case back
Case number: 1’828’954
Closure: 18k pink gold Rolex Oyster bracelet and folding clasp
Size: 36 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: yes
Accessories: Rolex Guarantee, COSC certificate, letter card from Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Rolex calendar for 1969, Rolex promotional Day-Date material, numbered hang tag, leather card holde rand presentation case with outer packaging
The Rolex Day-date stands as one of the brand’s most luxurious wristwatches. The iconic model was originally released in1956 as the first waterproof and chronometer-certified automatic wristwatch to display the date at 3 o’clock and the day of the week in full letters at 12 o'clock. Considered as an everyday dress watch and worn by the most influential men and women of the century, the Day-date was only available in precious metals, including yellow, pink and white gold as well as platinum. Among the different references of Day-Date, the 1803 stands out as the most famous and iconic iteration and was only produced between 1961 and 1977.
The present watch belonged to Brigadier J.T. Paley C.B.E. M.C. who was seconded from the British Army to command the Abu Dhabi Defence Force from 1969-1971. It was presented to him on relinquishing command by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who at the time was Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Head of the Abu Dhabi Department of Defence. Born in 1922, Brigadier Paley spent much of his childhood in the Emirate of Transjordan. He was commissioned into the Indian Cavalry 1941 and saw active service during the Second World War in North Africa and Italy. Having transferred to British Army, he enjoyed a varied career serving in the UK, Malaya, Australia, Borneo, Libya, Germany and as British Military Attaché in Aden, finally retiring in 1977. The watch is being offered by his family.
Beyond its iconic status, the present lot combines uniqueness with great condition. The dial bears the much sought-after signature of the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and exceptionally comes with a letter card from the Prince himself acknowledging its provenance. The watch is in great condition, hardly ever won and it is accompanied by its papers, box and other accessories providing a perfect opportunity to acquire a virtually brand new vintage watch imbued with history.