Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE Geneva Saturday, May 14, 2016 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1970
    Reference No: 1803
    Movement No: DD065'711
    Case No: 2'783'345
    Model Name: Day-Date "Red Quarter"
    Material: 18k pink gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1556, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Literature: For other examples of reference 1803 with so called "Red Quarter" dial see DAY-DATE The Presidential Rolex by Pucci Papaleo Editore pg 146-149

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present Rolex Day-Date reference 1803 from 1970 is a very fine, pink gold example of the so-called “President" watch. The Day-Date was the first wristwatch ever to display the day of the week fully spelled out, and the present lot is fitted with a day wheel in Portuguese likely made for the Brazilian market. Rolex tailored the Day-Date for markets around the world, and accordingly, the day indication was offered in 26 different languages. Combining the charisma and charm of a true vintage watch along with great daily wearability, this uncommon example offers tremendous value and practicality for collectors.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

    View More Works

Σ206

Ref. 1803
A very attractive pink gold wristwatch with "Red Quarter" dial and Portuguese calendar

1970
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF7,000 - 9,000 
€6,400-8,300
$7,200-9,300

Sold for CHF16,250

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016