The Rolex Day-Date is one of the most iconic and beautiful watches in the Rolex catalog. The Rolex Day-Date earned the nickname “President” after it had been rumored that President a Dwight Eisenhower began wearing one. In reality, Eisenhower wore a Rolex 18K yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust which Rolex gifted to him in 1950. However the nickname President stuck and is quite fitting for the Day-Date as Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Ford, Reagan, Nixon and Roosevelt, all wore the Rolex Day-Date model. It has always been a symbol of status and luxury as the Rolex Day-Date is only made in precious metals most commonly 18k yellow Gold and possesses both the day and date complications within the movement.
The dial on this 1963 Rolex Day-Date ref. 1803 is three-fold. First, the dial is the original stepped outer track or “pie-pan” dial. Second, the dial features desirable doorstop makers at the 6 and 9 o’clock markers. Third, the dial features a Rare and transitional underline underneath the “SCOC” text, which represents the transition of luminous materials. (Read more about the importance of Rolex underline dials on the C+T Blog.) Additionally, the hands on this Day-Date are a unique variant known as “cigarette boat” hands and are only seen between 1963 and 1964.
| Stock # |
RLXDD1803-63U |
|
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Day-Date | |
| Model | 1803 | |
| Serial | 94XXXX | |
| Size | Men’s | |
| Material | 18K Solid Gold | |
| Dial | Silver “Underline” | |
| Millimeters | 36 | |
| Bracelet | 2pc Handmade Leather Strap |
CASE & Bracelet
The wonderful 18k yellow gold case has been previously polished and retains thick and even lugs the show signs of use. The 18k yellow gold fluted bezel is in excellent condition. The original acrylic crystal features some wear. The underside of the case displays a nice rosy patina which is common for gold from this era. The watch will come supplied on a 2pc handmade Leather strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The stunning SWISS only silver “pie pan” underline dial with doorstop 6 and 9 o’clock markers is in truly exceptional condition. The tritium lume plots remain full and round with only the 4 o’clock plot showing light degradation when inspected under U.V. light, the lume plots have taken on a nice creamy patina. The original “cigarette boat” hands match the dial perfectly and show no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The date wheel is era correct with open 6’s and 9’s.
Accessories
None. The watch is running at COSC spec, previous service history is unknown.
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