Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1811 'Morellis' - 'Havana Ghost Buckley' Dial W/ Box & Papers

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 1811 dating to circa 1975. There are what are known as 'Morellis' Day-Dates because of their beautifully hand-finished bezel and bracelet that are unique to this reference. The case of this piece remains in fantastic overall condition, likely unpolished and shows light signed of wear throughout with no significant blemishes or damage and retains crisp hallmarks. Inside, this piece features perhaps the most appropriate dial for the reference: a gorgeous taupe-tone 'Havana' dial that also just happens to feature printed 'Roman' indices and text rendered in a cream color. We can therefore call this piece a 'Havana Buckley' dial, and it is simply awesome. The dial itself also happens to be in superb condition — with a largely clean surface showing only light wear around the Tritium plots. The plots themselves remain fully-intact, are evenly patinated, and are complimented by a matching handset.

If all of these small details weren't enough to enjoy this piece, it also happens to be accompanied by it's brown leather box, period booklets, service paper, green vinyl folder with serial sticker, serialized hangtag, and punched papers dating to 3/12/1977.

From ten feet away, this probably just looks like your average Day-Date... But upon closer inspection, it's nothing short of a collectors delight... the condition, the Morellis finishing on the bezel and bracelet, and that wildly cool dial within. It's a party.