1973 Rolex Day-Date (Ref. 1803) 18k YG Sigma “Linen Dial”

 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. 

This beautiful 1973 Day-Date example is in remarkable condition, the original champagne dial features many details worth mentioning. First off, the dial features the sought after “linen” texture which adds beautiful depth. The dial itself is non-luminous which adds an element of rarity, as most dials from this era featured lume plots. The dial is a “Sigma dial” which adds anOther element of rarity, being that Rolex only produced Sigma dials for a short period of time in the 1970s.

A Sigma dial is a Rolex dial named for the letters printed at the bottom of the dial at the 6 o’clock position. Most Rolex dials are commonly marked with “T Swiss T,” under the 6 o’clock marker, however, a Sigma dial is marked “σ T SWISS T σ.” This signifies the use of gold components within the dial.

Stock #		RLXDD1803-73
Brand		Rolex
Style		Day-Date
Model		1803
Serial		35XXXXX
Size		Men’s
Material		18K Solid Gold
Dial		Champagne “Linen”
Millimeters		36
Bracelet		2pc Handmade Leather Strap

 

CASE & BRACELET

The excellent 18k yellow gold case appears to have been very lightly polished in the past, retaining very thick lugs that remain even in presence. The 18k yellow gold fluted bezel remains in wonderful Unpolished condition and has started to take on a lovely rosy patina between the 6 and 9 o’clock of the bezel. The case retains all of its original hallmarks. The watch will come supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The non-luminous champagne “pie-pan” Sigma linen dial is in exceptional untouched condition, the “linen” texture has a unique depth with no blemishes or imperfections. The original tritium hands have taken on a nice golden patina and show no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The metallic gold date wheel is era correct with open 6’s and 9’s

Accessories 

None. The watch just received a complete service and is running at COSC spec backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.