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Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 - Doorstop 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 solid gold bracelet.

This present example is fitted with that iconic yellow gold presidential bracelet, and a desirable ‘doorstop’ dial. Why do we call is a ‘doorstop’ dial? Glad you asked! The unique trapeodial shape of the hour markers at 6 and 9 are shaped like the old-fashioned doorstops you might have seen in your school. While that might sound silly - just remember that watch collectors love nicknames!

Furthermore, the dial condition is outstanding featuring fully in-tact lume plots and perfectly matching handset. The outer track of this present example is in outstanding condition and has no signs of chipping or wear. All for less than half the cost of a brand new 36mm Day-Date - and you can say you have something in common with President Eisenhower. Hows 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 1971 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