Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: circa 1971
    Reference No: 1803
    Movement No: DD910'783
    Case No: 2'719'261
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18k white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1556, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and pin buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by fitted presentation box, service booklet and service invoice

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1956, the Day-Date is one of the most iconic Rolex watches. Often referred to as the President's watch, the model has gravitated in the highest spheres of showbiz and politics. From its launch, the model differentiated itself with an endless variety of dials, case materials and even languages used to indicate the day of the week (actually, up to 26 different languages were available).

    The present watch bears the reference 1803, one of the longest serving Day-Date reference. It is fitted with an incredible immaculate white dial with red quarter, and the days are indicated in Spanish. Freshly serviced by Rolex, the present watch is in excellent condition and the vivid turquoise blue strap gives it a very appealing summertime look.

  • 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.

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Ref. 1803
A fine and very attractive white gold calendar wristwatch with "red quarter"-dial

circa 1971
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and pin buckle signed

Estimate
CHF7,000 - 9,000 
€6,500-8,300
$6,900-8,900

Sold for CHF11,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017