Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803/9 - Black 'Confetti' Dial

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 1803/9 from circa 1967, is a white gold example with a wildly cool dial within. The case remains in strong overall condition, possibly unpolished with nice symmetrical lugs and clear hallmarks. The characteristic 'fluted' white gold bezel has seemingly been spared of polishing and retains defined finishing and shows matching normal wear. The 'President' bracelet is a very rare U.S. unit with an adjustable blade clasp. The real treat here, however, is that black dial. For a short time in the late 1960s - early 1970s, some dials offered by Rolex and Tudor exhibited some additional colors on the dial surface when inspected closely. This example has deposits of green, blue, red, and gold! These are what have become known as 'confetti' dials, and this is a fantastic example of one. The Tritium plots also exhibit an attractive and uniform patina, which is matched in the handset.

From ten feet away, this probably just looks like a run-of-the-mill Day-Date... Or given it's white gold construction, maybe not! But upon closer inspection of the dial, the party starts.