Rolex
1977 Rolex 18k YG Day-Date (Ref. 1803) "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 had been rumored that President a 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.
What is a Buckley dial? These excellent roman numeral marker dials differentiate themselves as true collector items with painted numerals as opposed to the more commonly seen applied numerals. The Buckley dials were made famous after a Rolex collector coined the term several years back. This specific Day-Date is special as the Buckley dial is most commonly seen in Datejusts and rarely seen in Day-Dates, but makes for a striking and unique look!
Stock # | RLXDD1803BKY | |
Brand | Rolex | |
Style | Day-Date | |
Model | 1803 | |
Serial | 51XXXXX | |
Size | Men's | |
Material | 18K Solid Gold | |
Dial | White "Buckley" | |
Millimeters | 36 | |
Bracelet | 2pc Handmade Italian Leather Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The 18K yellow gold case has been lightly polished remaining in great vintage condition showing slight wear from use. The 18k fluted bezel has been lightly polished in the past but remains sharp showing little wear. The hallmarks are clearly visible on the undersides of the lugs. Watch will come on a 2pc leather strap of your choosing.
DIAL & HANDS
The wonderful white Day-Date dial with painted Roman numeral markers is commonly referred to as a Buckley dial remains in wonderful condition. The dial itself exhibits no signs of wear or blemishes. The tritium lume plots have been partially removed off the dial but all remain slightly intact and react correctly when exposed to U.V. light. The hands are OEM Rolex lumiova service replacements and show no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. The date wheel is era correct with open 6's and 9's.
ACCESSORIES
None. Watch is running perfectly and keeping time at spec, previous service history is unkown.