Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1977 Reference No: 1803 Movement No: DD223624 Case No: 5'119'572 Model Name: Day-Date Material: 18K yellow gold and diamonds Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1556, 26 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 200mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster deployant clasp Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex presentation box and product literature.
Catalogue Essay
Among the most collectible of all Day-Dates are the ones fitted with lacquer "Stella" dials. Translucent yet vibrant, "Stella" dials offer so much exclusivity to the wearer, as no lacquer dial is exactly the same in appearance. Rolex adorned their Day-Date watches with a range of lacquer dials, ranging from yellow to mint green and even a rich burgundy tone, like the present watch.
The present Day-Date, reference 1803, features a rich and incredibly glossy Burgundy "Stella" dial, which contrasts vibrantly against the diamond-set numerals. Despite being over forty years of age, the dial still retains its highly glossy finish, just as if it left the factory yesterday. It is preserved in excellent condition, with no cracks or hairlines at all. All luminous dots are intact and perfectly match the luminous material on the hands.
The case is furthermore preserved in marvelous condition, and still retains three strong hallmarks on the underside of the lug. The proportions are robust, and the top of the lugs feature sharp finishes. This watch is powered by the automatic caliber 1556 movement, which features a hacking mechanism that allows precise time-setting.
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.
