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Reference: 1803
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Movement: Automatic Rolex Cal. 1556
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Age: 1977
- Case Size: 36mm
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Case Condition: Very good.
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Bracelet Condition: Very good.
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Box & Papers: Watch only
- Case Material: 18k yellow gold
Most vintage gold Rolex watches have been polished. This one has not.
That is the headline here. The 36mm 18K yellow gold case retains its original geometry: sharp lugs, defined case profile, fluted bezel with genuine edge to it. On a vintage gold Day-Date, that is genuinely uncommon. Polishing rounds everything off and the watch never quite looks right again. This one has been left alone, and it shows.
The dial is the correct champagne configuration for a yellow gold 1803. Warm, classic, and exactly as it should be. Nothing unusual to report, which on a watch from 1977 is itself a good sign. The original Presidential bracelet is present and completes the watch properly. A Day-Date on anything other than its Presidential bracelet is a different proposition entirely.
Inside is the calibre 1556, correct for this generation of 1803 production.
Condition
The case is the story and it has already been told above. Beyond that: the fluted bezel is attractive and well defined, the champagne dial presents with the warmth and character you want from a watch of this age, and the Presidential bracelet is original and correct. The acrylic crystal suits the reference.
This is an honest, unrestored watch that has been looked after rather than fussed over.
The set
Watch only, as is typical for vintage pieces of this age. Box and papers are always noted when present. They are not here, and the price reflects that.
Why this one
The 1803 in yellow gold with Presidential bracelet is the definitive vintage Day-Date configuration. There is nothing to overthink. What separates this example from others at a similar price point is the case: unpolished, sharp, original. That is hard to find and it makes a material difference to how the watch looks and feels on the wrist.
If you want a vintage Day-Date that has been worn rather than buffed into submission, this is a strong example.
