Rolex
Reference 1803 Day-Date | A yellow gold automatic wristwatch with bracelet, Circa 1960
Lot Closed
December 10, 08:20 PM GMT
Estimate
12,000 - 24,000 USD
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Read more.Lot Details
Description
Dial: champagne
Caliber: cal. 1555 automatic, 25 jewels
Movement number: DD7'147
Case: 18k yellow gold, screw down case back
Case number: 494'473
Closure: 18k yellow gold Rolex Jubillee bracelet with folding clasp
Size: 34 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial, and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
Introduced in 1956, the Rolex Day-Date debuted with the now signature combination of the President bracelet, fluted bezel, and 36 mm Oyster case. It was the first wristwatch to display both the date and the day of the week spelled in full, a technical and stylistic distinction that helped define the model. Its association with global leaders earned it the enduring “President” moniker; President Lyndon B. Johnson was the first to wear the watch while in office, prompting Rolex to reference it as the “President’s watch” in period advertising.
The reference 1803, fitted with an acrylic crystal, represents an important evolution within the line. Earlier Day-Date models relied on outsourced movements, but the 1803 introduced the in-house 1500-series calibres, allowing for a slimmer profile and marking a significant step in the development of the Day-Date family.