1976 Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 'No lume' Champagne dial in 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It would not be superseded by its five-digit replacement until the late 1970’s, nearly 20 years later.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.

This example here is a Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 from 1976 in 18K yellow gold.

 

It features a flawless sunburst champagne dial that lacks, in purpose, of the luminous tritium lume plots, or so called ‘no lume’ dial. The 10, 11 and 1 our markers are different to the rest. It seems a factory deffect as there are no signs of marker manipulation around them. What a character touch! The original hands show a lovely creamy patina hue.

 

The 18K yellow gold case is presented in superb condition too, remaining sharp and unpolished, and showing very little wear for its age, with only minor signs of use. 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, again being a sign of the unmolested condition, this example is in.

 

The watch is running great and keeping time, as it was fully serviced in the end of March 2024.

 

It comes suited on a 20mm unworn handmade leather strap with brushed stainless steel buckle.

 

This is indeed a great opportunity to own an astonishing example of a powerful watch such as a gold Rolex Day-Date.

 

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