Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 - Sunburst Grey Dial w/ Box & Papers

When the Day-Date was released in 1956, Rolex had made numerous attempts to capture the market with more complicated timepieces such as the Ref. 6036, the Ref. 8171, and the Ref. 6062, but it seemed like buyers were not particularly fond of complicated Rolexes. All of that changed when President Dwight D. Eisenhower was spotted wearing one Rolex in particular: a Day-Date. The model has since become known worldwide as ‘The President’ and as a symbol of success and prestige. Simply put, this one stuck. The Day-Date was available for many years on a leather strap with a matching gold buckle, but also on a solid gold bracelet like the example that we have here. This piece, a Reference 1803 from circa 1965, is an excellent example finished in solid yellow gold. The case remains nice and thick, with symmetrical lugs and shows normal wear over a light previous polishing. The rare, 'rivet' Oyster bracelet also is nicely preserved and shows matching wear with no notable 'stretch' and remains long. The characteristic 'fluted' bezel is seemingly unpolished and retains excellent definition and shows matching wear. Inside, the dial is a surprisingly uncommon sunburst grey unit, which is wonderfully preserved and features gorgeous patinated Tritium plots and a matching handset. Additionally, this piece is accompanied by its box and papers dating to 1966. With it's relatively uncommon dial color and overall condition, this 1803 is a stunner!