Rolex

1971 Rolex Day-Date 18K WG (Ref. 1803) White "Buckley" 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.

Rolex President Ad

Rolex always finds the perfect balance between luxury and functionality, and this 1971 Rolex Day-Date ref. 1803 really sets itself apart in solid 18k white gold and features a very uncommon "Buckley" dial, which is rarely seen in the Day-Date model range. These excellent Roman numeral marker dials differentiate themselves as true collector items with painted numerals as opposed to the more commonly seen applied marker, along with matching black hands. The Buckley dials were made famous after a Rolex collector coined the term several years back. We love white gold watches as they carry the weight of solid 18k gold with a subtle statement and an extra level of refinement.

Stock # RLXDD1803WG-6
Brand Rolex
Style Day-Date
Model 1803
Serial 28XXXXX
Size Men's
Material 18K White Gold
Dial White "Buckley"
Millimeters 36
Bracelet 2pc Rolex Black Leather Strap W/ Steel Rolex Tang Buckle

 

CASE & BRACELET

The thick 18K white gold case retains symmetrical lugs and very full dimensions while exhibiting signs of minimal polishing and gentle use. The white gold fluted bezel retains crisp and defined geometry with minimal signs of previous use present. The original Rolex 2pc black leather strap is gently worn and is fitted with a stainless steel Rolex tang buckle. The watch will also come with a brand new 2pc black handmade leather strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The rare and striking white "pie pan" dial with painted black Roman numerals, commonly referenced as a "Buckley" dial, is in virtually flawless condition, with no damage or age present on the dial. The tritium lume plots remain full and round with no degradation present under UV light inspection and have achieved a lovely creamy patina. The original tritium "Buckley" hands are a shade lighter than the dial lume patina but coordinate beautifully, under UV light inspection the hour hand is missing a pin dot of lume and remains stable while the minute hand remains fully intact. 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.