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Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 - Claw Dial

SOLD

STRAIGHT FACTS

When the Day-Date was released in 1956, it was the only complicated Rolex for sale. Hard to believe, but people didn’t want Rolex’s previous attempts at complicated wristwatches. All of that changed when President Dwight D. Eisenhower was spotted wearing the Rolex, and the watch became known as ‘The President’. An internationally known symbol of success and prestige, the Rolex Day-Date was available for many years on a strap or matching bracelet.

This Day-Date has a 'Claw Dial'

While the case is identical to any 36mm Day-Date this watch is fitted with one of the rarest early dials offered. Known as a 'Claw-Dial' due to the indices looking like claws that are clamped down around the pie-pan dial. These are some of the most sought after dials, especially where the Day-Date's value relies heavily upon which dial variant it contains. 

Fitted to an elegant handmade leather strap also works to tone down the watch, as some people find a full gold Rolex on bracelet to be ‘too-much’ and this example is the antithesis that! The dial condition is flawless, with all dial lume present mated to non-luminous 'sword' hands  The case shows signs of polish, but retains the lines and finishing that we look for in early Day-Date models. These watches represent an incredible value over a brand new 36mm Day-Date - and you can say you have something in common with President Eisenhower. How’s that for bragging rights?


*Some marks or spots on the dial are reflections or dust on the crystal and are due to high intensity strobe lighting used while photographing. They are not actually on the watch or visible in natural lighting.

Yellow Gold 1963 Automatic Dress

"As collectors themselves, Oliver and Clarke are on a mission to make buying vintage watches as painless as possible."

"The company focuses on good prices for its pieces, elite customer service and full transparency."

"The appointment-only space is inviting, with comfortable seating areas and exposed brick walls."

From Rolex & Patek Philippe, to Cartier & Audemars Piguet. As collectors first, we love the small details that separate the Submariner from Daytona and Calatrava from Royal Oak. This is why you'll find our curated assortment spans decades of generations of models and brands. We believe that watches don't just tell time, they tell history - and life is too short to wear a boring watch.

Oliver & Clarke