Rolex
1963 Rolex Day-Date 18K YG (Ref. 1803) Silver "Swiss Only" Doorstop Dial
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 was rumored President Dwight Eisenhower wore one, but Eisenhower actually 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. Apart from its executive affiliation, the Day-Date is a symbol of status and luxury, only produced in highly refined precious metals including 18K yellow, white, and rose gold and also platinum, featuring both the day and date complications within the movement.
The Rolex Day-Date ref. 1803 in 18K yellow gold is so satisfying when paired with a well-crafted leather strap, especially when it enhances the overall elegance of such an iconic wristwatch. We love this example for its original silver "Swiss only" dial with doorstop 6 and 9 o'clock hour markers. Additionally, the hands on this Day-Date are a unique variant known as "cigarette boat" hands and are only seen between 1963 and 1964.
| Stock # |
RLXDD1803-63/3
|
|
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Day-Date | |
| Model | 1803 | |
| Serial | 96XXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | 18K Yellow Gold | |
| Dial | Silver "Doorstop" | |
| Millimeters | 36 | |
| Strap | 2pc Handmade Leather Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The strong 18K yellow god case retains excellent dimensions and is very well preserved, showing only gentle signs of previous polishing and wear. The 18K yellow gold fluted bezel displays light signs of honest use and retains crisp edges and finishing throughout. The hallmarks remain deep on the case and the reference and serial engravings both remain visible. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The original Swiss-only "pie-pan" silver dial with doorstop markers is truly a treat and remains in excellent condition overall, showing only nominal elements of age such as some darkening to the very edge of the dial in a few areas. The early tritium lume plots have achieved a golden color that accents the watch beautifully, under U.V. light inspection the 1 o'clock lume plot features some minor degradation and remains mostly intact, the rest of the lume plots display no degradation. The rare original tritium gold "cigarette boat" shaped hands are in excellent condition, the lume mostly matches the dial lume though some darker spots are present. Under U.V. light inspection no degradation is present in the hands. The metallic date wheel is original with "open" 6's and 9's.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.
