Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 - Silver 'Linen' 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 matching solid gold bracelet (called a 'President' bracelet), but also on a leather strap like the example that we have here. 

The piece that we have here, a Reference 1803, dates to circa 1972, is a strong example finished in solid yellow gold with a stunning silver dial. In seemingly-flawless condition, has an attractive 'linen' textured finishing with fully-intact and evenly patinated Tritium plots with a perfectly matching handset. The Oyster case remains thick and symmetrical, having received a light polishing at a previous time. It shows normal signs of wear with a few scratches present on the lugs, which still retain visible factory finishing. The characteristic 'fluted' yellow gold bezel has also been lightly polished and shows light wear with only one small impression. 

Especially when fitted to a leather strap, this 'elevated' piece remains very much under-the-radar and is suitable for virtually any occasion, on virtually any wrist!