Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT Hong Kong Monday, May 27, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1970
    Reference No: 1803
    Movement No: DD665’503
    Case No: 2’427’308
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18k white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1556, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet, endlinks stamped “53”, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Rolex Jubilee deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: With Rolex fitted presentation box

  • Catalogue Essay

    Over the course of its production spanning over 60 years, the Rolex Day-Date has developed an iconic status of its own. From being witnessed on the wrists of presidents and leaders, the series marks as an important asset in the Rolex family. The reference 1803 was introduced in 1961 and produced until 1977 when it was replaced by the new five digit references.

    The present example is a beautiful Rolex reference 1803 in white gold with an attractive seconds hand in red. Presented in overall excellent condition, the present example is further delivered with an original Rolex fitted presentation box.

  • 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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1173

Ref. 1803
An very fine white gold wristwatch with day, date, sweep center seconds, bracelet and fitted presentation box

1970
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
HK$90,000 - 140,000 
€10,100-15,800
$11,500-17,900

Sold for HK$162,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
thomasperazzi@phillips.com
+852 2318 2001

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT

Hong Kong Auction 28 May 2019