Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 - Sunburst Champagne Dial w/ Box & Papers 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 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 1974, is an excellent example finished in solid yellow gold with a stunning champagne dial. In seemingly-flawless condition, with a clean sunburst surface and fully-intact 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 correct proportions and clear hallmarks on the lug undersides. The characteristic 'fluted' yellow gold bezel has seemingly been spared any polishing, and retains crisp and vibrant finishing with matching wear.

Additionally, this piece is accompanied by its box and punched papers dating to 1976.

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.