Rolex - The New York Watch Auction: NINE New York Saturday, December 9, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1972
    Reference No: 1803
    Movement No: DD'467'831
    Case No: 3’462’846
    Model Name: Day-Date
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1556, 26 jewels
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Originally released in 1956, the Day-Date quickly positioned itself as one of Rolex’s flagship watches. It’s served as a symbol of personal and professional success ever since. Exclusively crafted from precious metals (with a small number of stainless-steel prototypes), the Day-Date can be found on the wrists of almost everyone, from world leaders to pop culture celebrities.

    The present Rolex Day-Date ref. 1803 was manufactured circa 1972, bearing a 3.46 million serial, and featuring the classic combination of an 18k-yellow gold case paired with a fluted bezel and a champagne-colored “pie-pan” dial. Of course, it goes without saying that the model's signature day-of-week display is right where it should be, at 12 o'clock, complementing the three o’clock date window perfectly. Preserved in outstanding condition, it’s an extremely versatile and timeless choice for any collection.

  • 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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91

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 1803
A well-preserved and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, day, date, and champagne “pie-pan” dial

Circa 1972
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, and movement signed.

Estimate
$4,000 - 8,000 
CHF3,600-7,200
€3,700-7,500
HK$31,200-62,500
S$5,400-10,900

Sold for $10,160

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: NINE

New York Auction 9 - 10 December 2023