1976 Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 in 18K Yellow Gold with 'Wide Boy' champagne dial

By the mid-20th century, Rolex had already mastered precision and durability. But in 1956, they turned their attention to something more ambitious—status. The Day-Date wasn’t just another watch; it was a statement. It arrived 11 years after the Datejust, but where the Datejust was about everyday versatility, the Day-Date was about power.

 

The reference 1803 became the defining version of the model—just as the 1601 shaped the Datejust, the 1803 cemented the Day-Date’s identity. With its fluted bezel, refined proportions, and the now-iconic day complication, this was the watch that built the legend.

 

And the world noticed. Johnson, Ford, Kennedy, Reagan, Nixon, Roosevelt… The Day-Date became the wristwear of choice for those at the pinnacle of power. A Rolex made of precious metal, with a bracelet named the President, worn by actual presidents—this was aspirational luxury at its finest.

 

For nearly two decades, the 1803 reigned supreme, untouched by a successor until the late 1970s. Offered in various precious metals and in an array of dial variations, it has since become one of Rolex’s most collectible references.

 

The Day-Date may have been designed to project success, character, and authority, but for collectors today, it represents something even greater—a Rolex that defined an era, still commanding presence decades later.

Offered here for sale is a Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 with champagne ‘Wide Boy’ dial from 1976 in 18K yellow gold.

 

The sunburst champagne ‘Wide Boy’ dial, nicknamed like this is after the notably wider hour markers compared to the more common stick ones seen on most versions, is preserved in excellent condition with very little aging. The lume plots remain strong, with only a few partially missing some of their luminous mass. They have aged to a lovely patina that matches perfectly with that on the ‘Wide Boy’ hands.

 

The thick and even 18K yellow gold case is presented in strong condition too, showing normal signs of wear from the passage of time. The 18K yellow gold bezel remains in the same shape. The case back is preserved in the same condition. All gold hallmarks remain clearly visible.

 

The watch is running great and keeping time, although service history is unknown.

 

The original acrylic crystal has some very light signs of use that could be easily buffed away.

 

It comes suited on an unworn tan suede strap with matching golden Rolex buckle.

 

This is indeed a great opportunity to own an honest example with a rare and sought-after dial of a powerful and historical watch such as a vintage gold Rolex Day-Date without breaking the bank.

 

Macros of dial and case are available under request.