1971 Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 'Pie-Pan' Champagne dial 18K Yellow Gold

Launched in 1956, the Day-Date arrived 11 years after its closest cousin; the Datejust.

 

The ref. 1803 is to the Day-Date what the ref. 1601 is to the Datejust; the model where all the most important engineering and aesthetic details were squared away and the one which would go on to secure the piece’s unassailable reputation.

 

Ford, Kennedy, Reagan, Nixon, Roosevelt, Johnson… These are just some of the wearers of the Rolex Day-Date in gold. A watch that represents success, hard work, status, character, power, and respect has been chosen by many personalities as their daily beater, and there’s no wonder why.

 

It would not be superseded by its five-digit replacement until the late 1970’s, nearly 20 years later. During those two decades, it became the epitome of aspirational luxury.

The example offered here is a Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 from 1971 in 18K yellow gold.

 

It features a lovely sunburst ‘Pie-Pan’ champagne ‘no-lume’ dial. A "pie-pan" dial refers to its distinctive slope around the outer edge, resembling an inverted pie pan. This feature adds a unique depth to the watch's appearance. It gives the watch a vintage look and is highly appreciated by collectors. The original hands show a creamy patina hue. The “no-lume” refers to the absence, in purpose, of the luminous lume plots. It gives the dial a much cleaner appearance.

 

The 18K yellow gold case is presented in great condition, remaining thick and sharp, with very little signs of polishing and only light wear. The 18K yellow gold bezel remains in the same shape, featuring a lovely patina, giving the watch tons of character. The case back is preserved in the same condition. All gold hallmarks remain clearly visible.

 

The watch is running great and keeping time, as it has been recently fully serviced in July 2024.

 

The original acrylic crystal is clean.

 

It comes suited on an unworn handmade leather strap with golden Rolex buckle.

 

Macros of case and dial, as well as movement and service pictures are available under request.