Rolex
1968 Rolex Day-Date (Ref. 1803) 18K Rose Gold "Red Quarter 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 had been rumored that President Dwight Eisenhower began wearing one. In reality, Eisenhower wore a Rolex 18K yellow gold Oyster Perpetual Datejust which Rolex gifted to him in 1950. However the nickname President stuck and is quite fitting for the Day-Date as Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Ford, Reagan, Nixon and Roosevelt, all wore the Rolex Day-Date model. It has always been 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 18k rose gold example from 1968 retains its original and rare white pie-pan dial with red numbers at every quarter sometimes called the ‘Red Quarter Dial’ or 'Cardinal dial' named after the vibrant red bird. The red coloration found on the outside of the minute track at the quarters of the hour is subtle yet unique and sought after among collectors. Rolex produced this dial on a very limited basis and for a very short period of time. This specific Rolex ref. 1803 in 18k rose gold would make a wonderful and uniquely stunning addition to an existing collection and or be a great stand-alone executive piece for those with a discerning eye.
| Stock # |
RLXDD1803RG68 |
|
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Day-Date | |
| Model | 1803 | |
| Serial | 18XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | 18K Rose Gold | |
| Dial | White "Red Quarter" | |
| Millimeters | 36 | |
| Bracelet | Rolex Gay-Freres 18k Rose Gold Oyster-Rivet Bracelet W/ 76 End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The strong 18k rose gold case shows signs of being very lightly polished in the past and retains very full and symmetrical lugs. The 18k rose gold fluted bezel is unpolished and exhibits minimal signs of previous use. The case retains its rose gold twin-lock crown. The case retains all of its factory hallmarks and the reference number and serial remain clearly visible between the lugs. The rare Rolex 18k rose gold Gay-Freres Oyster-Rivet bracelet with 76 end pieces is in remarkable condition, retaining 11 links that show no stretch.
DIAL & HANDS
This extremely rare and attractive white minute track dial with rose gold markers and red numerals at the quarters of the minute track is in exceptionally presentable condition, showing no discoloration or major aging to the dial. There are some light signs of the hands being removed during a previous service under the hand stack, however, it is not visible to the naked eye. The tritium lume plots have a slight eggshell patina, under U.V. light degradation the 5 o'clock lume plot exhibits degradation, the rest of the lume plots show no degradation. The original rose gold tritium hands match the dial lume nicely and display no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The metallic date wheel is original with open 6's and 9's.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.