Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1806 'Florentine' - Sunburst Champagne 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 example that we have here is a rare Reference 1806 dating to circa 1962. These are what are known as 'Florentine' Day-Dates because of their beautifully hand-finished bezel and case that are unique to this reference. The case of this piece remains in excellent overall condition, having been very lightly previously polishing on the profiles only, and therefore retains its beautiful cross-hatched finishing on the top-case. It shows normal signs of wear throughout with no significant blemishes or damage and retains crisp hallmarks. The correct yellow gold bezel also retains defined 'Florentine' finishing and shows matching light wear. Inside, the champagne dial retains vibrant sunburst finishing and evenly patinated Tritium plots with a matching 'alpha' handset.

These small details amount to, we think, a very special and elegant wearing experience — particularly when worn on a leather strap.