Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1971
    Reference No: 1803
    Movement No: DD’848’243
    Case No: 2’687’119
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1556, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex President bracelet, end links stamped “53”, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp, stamped “2, 71"
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex certificate, instruction manual, product literature, hang tags, cloth, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Ever glamorous, the Day-Date model delights with its myriad of dial, bracelet, bezel and gold-finished designs. Since its inception in 1956, it remains one of the most surprising and diverse flagship models Rolex has ever produced. Apart from prototype models, the Day-Date has only been cased in precious metals, attesting to its glamor and prestige.

    The present Day-Date ref. 1803 from circa 1971 is an exceptionally attractive example with a degradé tobacco “Stella” dial. Brilliant, lacquered “Stella” dials were produced for over a decade in a range of powerful colors, including oxblood, turquoise, orange, black, and tobacco. Some of these colors were especially rare and extremely sought after, including the present ref. 1803 with its rarely seen degradé tobacco dial. The extraordinary color perfectly complements the yellow gold case providing for a mesmerizing result. The present dial is extremely well-preserved and original with a radiant hue enhanced by the warm cream hue of the luminous hour markers. Featuring a pie-pan dial and diamond-set indices, this Day-Date has all the desirable features of a vintage Rolex.

    While “Stella” dials are no longer available in modern Rolex Day-Dates today, this rare vintage reference with full set of accessories is an exciting opportunity to own a stunning example of one of the most diverse and prestigious models produced by any brand.

  • 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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1019

Ref. 1803
A highly rare and extremely attractive yellow gold wristwatch with bracelet, center seconds, day, date, degradé tobacco dial, diamond-set indexes, certificate and presentation box

Circa 1971
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 240,000 
€14,000-28,100
$15,400-30,800

Sold for HK$215,900

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX

Hong Kong Auction 23 - 24 November 2024