Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 - Early 'Alpha Hand' Example
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 matching solid gold bracelet (called a 'President' bracelet), but also on a leather strap like the example that we have here.
This Reference 1803 from circa 1960 is an early example and has a few features we love that are only found on pieces from the first few years of production. The dial has more stylistic, faceted indices paired with an equally more stylistic 'alpha' handset. The yellow gold bezel is flatter and more finely 'fluted' than later examples. Though not the only combination of dial and hands offered at this time, these small details amount to, we think, a more special and elegant wearing experience — particularly when worn on a leather strap.
The 'champagne' gold dial itself exhibits patina throughout, with darkened luminous plots — matched within the handset. The case shows signs of a very light previous polishing, retaining even & symmetrical lugs. It shows normal wear for its age with only one notable blemish on the right case profile just above the crown.
We think its a looker, and fit for a collector looking for something thats one of a kind, which is what vintage is all about isn't it?
Condition Report & Details
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Every Oliver & Clarke timepiece comes with a one-year mechanical warranty starting from the date of delivery. We ensure all watches are in wonderful working condition and are ready for daily wear. Many have been fully serviced by our team of watchmakers.
Please note:
- Due to the vintage or antique nature of many of our watches, they may not keep time as accurately as when new, nor as precisely as quartz or electronic devices.
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- Internal or external damage caused by accidents, mishandling, abuse, modifications, or services performed by anyone other than our authorized personnel.
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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.
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