Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 - 'Doorstop' Dial Unpolished

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 amatching solid gold bracelet (called a 'President' bracelet), but also on a leather strap like the example that we have here. 

This Reference 1803 dating to circa 1963 has a few very cool features we love that are only found on earlier examples. The case is unpolished and thick, showing normal wear throughout with an attractive 'rosy' oxidation developing in tighter areas. The 'fluted' bezel also is unpolished with a matching light 'rosy' patina. Inside, the sunburst silver dial is in excellent condition overall and features applied 'doorstop' indices at the 6 & 9 o'clock positions which are complimented by a correct 'obelisk' handset. The Tritium plots on are fully-intact and exhibit a light, even patina throughout, with the handset matching beautifully.

These small details amount to, we think, a very special and elegant wearing experience — particularly when worn on a leather strap — and remains very much under the radar. If you know, you know.