Description:
ROLEX DAYDATE REF. 1803 DIAMOND DIAL WHITE GOLD D’AGOSTO BRACELET
In 1956, Rolex introduced one of its most successful and beloved watches ever: the DAY-DATE, the first automatic, waterproof wristwatch to indicate both the date and the day of the week. This innovation marked a significant milestone in watchmaking history, as the Day-Date was the first watch to display the date at three o’clock and the day of the week at twelve o’clock. This unique combination quickly became a hallmark of luxury and precision, solidifying the Day-Date’s status as a prestigious timepiece. Over the years, Rolex has offered many aesthetic variants of the Day-Date, each identified by a different reference number. These references typically correspond to specific design elements, particularly the finish of the bezel. Among these variants, the reference 1803 stands out due to its distinctive fluted bezel.
The present Rolex Day-Date is an incredibly charming and glamorous reference 1803, featuring a mix of very rare details that make this watch stand out among other similar models. First of all, the rare diamond dial is simply stunning, showing virtually no signs of aging—it’s essentially perfect. The tritium plots have aged beautifully to a nice orangish tone, perfectly matching the handset and creating a superb vintage patina.
Additionally, the dial bears the “Sigma” marking, which is typical of a certain production period of Rolex and correct for this watch. Sigma dials were produced for a short period at the beginning of the 1970s, indicating that the indexes were in white gold. In this case, the base of the diamond-set indexes is indeed white gold.
The watch’s case is most likely unpolished and in perfect condition, further enhancing its desirability. It also comes with a fabulous D’Agosto bracelet. Manufactured in Argentina under Rolex authorization, the D’Agosto bracelets are exceptionally rare. Even more remarkable is that the D’Agosto bracelet matches the case, as it features the gold squared marking “C”. The overall condition of this watch is truly incredible. All components are correct for its year of manufacture: the Sigma dial, the D’Agosto bracelet, the 1556 caliber, and the 1803 case back.
Year 1974, Serial Number 3,809,XXX , Diameter 36mm.