{"product_id":"rolex-day-date-ref-1803-oxblood-stella-dial2","title":"Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 - Oxblood 'Stella' Dial","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhen 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Day-Date was available for many years on a leather strap with a matching gold buckle, but also on a solid gold bracelet like the example that we have here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, this isn't your run of the mill Day-Date...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe piece that we have here features a highly elusive dial that is part of a sub-family of Day-Dates produced with what collectors call, 'Stella Dials.' It is believed that these colorful dials were named after the famous artist Frank Stella to honor his vibrant paintings, or another theory: named after the Latin word for star which is also “Stella.” These dials are as rare as they are beautiful to behold and were sold for a very limited time, in part due to the complexity to produce them. They were handmade by artisans who painstakingly applied many layers of lacquer, which give these dials their iconic depth. The process was so complex, that many dials cracked during manufacturing leading to their rarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is a Reference 1803 dating to circa 1977 and comes to us in excellent overall condition. The case, matching 'President' bracelet, and characteristic 'fluted' yellow gold bezel have all been lightly polished in the past — likely decades ago — and show normal signs of wear throughout. Of course, the highlight of this piece is that rich, maroon 'oxblood' lacquered dial within. It remains in exceptional condition, free of cracks or fractures, and retains fully-intact Tritium plots. The plots themselves exhibit a light and even patina throughout and are complimented by a matching handset.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNever in short demand, Stella-dialed pieces have always been coveted as some of the more collectible vintage Rolexes, full stop.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oliver \u0026 Clarke Vintage Watches","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67660570591549,"sku":"OC3194","price":55000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0765\/6138\/3741\/files\/ROLEX_DAYDATE_GLD_OXBLOOD_WEB_1_4f5cdbd2-c811-48e2-bd96-c972b2c0253b.jpg?v=1791936520","url":"https:\/\/oliverandclarke.com\/products\/rolex-day-date-ref-1803-oxblood-stella-dial2","provider":"Oliver \u0026 Clarke Vintage Watches","version":"1.0","type":"link"}