Rolex Day Date 1803, 18ct Yellow Gold

A truly exceptional example of the Rolex Day-Date 1803, dating to 1969 and offered with its original box and papers.

The Day-Date has long stood as one of Rolex’s most prestigious creations. Introduced in 1956, it was the first wristwatch to display both the day of the week written in full and the date, housed in a precious metal Oyster case. The reference 1803 remains one of the most loved vintage Day-Date references, combining the warmth of acrylic crystal, the elegance of the pie-pan dial and the unmistakable presence of yellow gold.

This example is crafted in 18ct yellow gold and features a beautiful champagne pie-pan dial, complete with applied baton hour markers, matching gold hands, English day wheel and date display at 3 o’clock. The dial has a wonderful sunburst finish, shifting beautifully in the light and giving the watch the warm, golden character that defines the classic vintage Day-Date.

What sets this watch apart is the condition. The case retains outstanding definition, with strong lugs, sharp fluting to the bezel and a remarkable overall presence. The dial, hands and case all present with the sort of harmony and preservation that is increasingly difficult to find in a watch of this age. It is the kind of example that feels almost frozen in time.

The watch is fitted to a brown leather strap, allowing the yellow gold case and champagne dial to remain the focus. Accompanying the watch are its original Rolex box and papers, making this a particularly complete and desirable example of a late-1960s Day-Date.

A beautifully preserved 1969 Rolex Day-Date 1803, complete with box and papers, and in truly time-warp condition.

Details

Brand: Rolex
Model: Day-Date
Reference: 1803
Year: 1969
Case: 18ct yellow gold
Bezel: 18ct yellow gold fluted bezel
Dial: Champagne pie-pan dial
Crystal: Acrylic crystal with cyclops date magnifier
Movement: Automatic Rolex calibre 1556
Day/Date: English day wheel and date display
Strap: Brown leather strap
Set: Original Rolex box and papers
Condition: Exceptional, time-warp vintage condition
Guarantee: 12-month Chelsea Time & Treasures mechanical guarantee

Our View

This is exactly the kind of vintage Rolex we are proud to offer. A 1969 Day-Date 1803 is already a special watch, but finding one with its original box and papers, preserved in this condition, is something else entirely.

The champagne pie-pan dial, acrylic crystal and warm yellow gold case give the watch all the charm of the late 1960s, while the level of preservation makes it feel remarkably fresh on the wrist. Elegant, important and wonderfully complete, this is a superb example of one of Rolex’s great icons.