1978 Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 '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It would not be superseded by its five-digit replacement until the late 1970’s, nearly 20 years later.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.

This example offered here is a Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 from 1978 in 18K yellow gold.

 

The sunburst champagne dial shows wear that gives it a blast of character. The tritium lume plots are complete and have aged to a dark patina hue. The original hands show a lighter patina hue.

 

The 18K solid yellow gold case is preserved strong, thick and sharp, remaining most probably unpolished. It shows normal wear signs. The 18K yellow gold bezel remains in the same shape. The case back is also preserved in the same condition. All gold hallmarks are clearly visible.

 

The acrylic crystal is clean.

 

The watch is working well and keeps good time, as it has been fully serviced recently.

 

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

 

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