Rolex
1971 Rolex Day-Date (Ref. 1803) 18K YG "Wide Boy"
"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, however, Eisenhower wore a Rolex 18K yellow gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust which Rolex gifted to him in 1953. However the nickname President is quite fitting for the day date as Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Ford, Reagan, Nixon and Roosevelt, all wore the Rolex Day-Date and is 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 1971 Rolex Day-Date ref. 1803 retains its original and sought after silver "Wide Boy" pie-pan dial. The "wide boy" dials make for a distinctly unique look among the early Day-Dates and Rolex only produced this dial for a very short period of time. The "Wide-Boy" name comes from the oversized block markers and the extra-wide "cigarette hands", and can be seen in either the Datejust or the Day-Date models from the early 70s. This "wide boy" Day-Date ref. 1803 is simply stunning and would be a wonderful addition to any collection as an executive piece that would stand out from the crowd.
| Stock # |
RLXDD180371 |
|
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Day-Date | |
| Model | 1803 | |
| Serial | 26XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | 18K Yellow Gold | |
| Dial | Silver "Wide Boy" | |
| Millimeters | 36 | |
| Bracelet | Rolex 18k YG President Bracelet W/ 53 End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The excellent 18k yellow gold case appears to have been lightly polished in the past, retaining strong and full lugs that show light signs of use. The 18k yellow gold fluted bezel is in wonderful unpolished condition. The original Rolex President bracelet with 53 end pieces is stamped 2/71 and retains 21 links with some stretch from use.
DIAL & HANDS
The silver sunburst "pie-pan" dial features the sought after "wide boy" dial configuration and is in remarkable original condition. The "wide boy" block markers remain in excellent condition showing no oxidation or scratching. The tritium lume plots have taken on a lovely creamy patina, under U.V. light inspection the lume plots remain full and round showing no degradation. The original cigarette-style "wide boy" hands have aged slightly lighter than the dial, under U.V. inspection the hour hand exhibits some very minor cracking, the minute hand remains fully intact. The white date wheel is most likely an early replacement and features open 6's and 9's.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch was recently serviced and is running at COSC spec. The watch will come with a one year warranty on accurate timekeeping.