Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII Geneva Friday, November 3, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1968
    Reference No: 1803, inside case back further stamped 1803
    Movement No: DD099540
    Case No: 1'897'731
    Model Name: Day-Date "Gold Cardinal"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1556, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex President bracelet, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp, stamped “2” and "61"
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.
    Literature: The present watch is illustrated in Day-Date The Presidential Rolex by Pucci Papaleo Editore, pages 146 and 147.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Originally introduced in 1956 as the first waterproof and chronometer-certified automatic wristwatch, the Rolex Day-Date reference 1803 elegantly displays the date at 3 o’clock, and the day of the week in full letters at 12 o'clock. Considered to be the most prestigious and one of the most recognisable model from Rolex, the Day-Date model has adorned the wrists of presidents and dignitaries around the world. Exuding what can be defined as a sporty elegant attire, the model has been appreciated over the last six decades of its production thanks to its versatility, robustness, and elegance.

    The present model in yellow gold features a beautiful snow-white step dial providing for a very elegant and contemporary combination. Paying close attention one can notice that the numerical lettering at the quarters, 60, 15, 30 and 45, are in red, hence the nickname ‘red quarters’. Featuring a spanish day disk, the overall aesthetic of the watch is extremely captivating. In overall excellent condition, the timepiece features an extremely well preserved case and president bracelet.

    Known as the "Gold Cardinal", the present watch is furthermore prominently illustrated in Day-Date The Presidential Rolex by Pucci Papaleo Editore, pages 146 and 147.

  • 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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130

Ref. 1803, inside case back further stamped 1803
A fine and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, day, date, white dial with red quarters and bracelet

1968
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 30,000 
€15,600-31,100
$16,500-33,000

Sold for CHF24,130

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

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The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII

Geneva Auction 3 - 4 November 2023