Why This Watch Matters There are few watches that stack up to the iconic Day-Date; we love this one for its warm patina and dagger indexes. The Full Story The Day-Date is one of the pillar watches produced by Rolex. Originally released in 1956, the reference 1803 soon became one of the most desirable “luxury” watches to own at the time. The yellow-gold version you see here from 1961 features a warm silvered dial and full set of beautifully aged lume plots. Early Day-Dates, like this reference 1803, did not have the baton indexes and handset often deemed synonymous with Datejusts and Day-Dates of the 1970s through the present day. Instead, they had unusual "alpha" hands, slightly more romantic and delicate than the stick indexes of later years, and faceted indexes that were slightly thicker at six and nine o'clock. In addition to these unusual characteristics, this watch boasts a gorgeous patina that can’t be beat. The Fine Print Maker: RolexModel: Day-DateReference: 1803Year: 1961Case No: 679885Material: 18k yellow goldDimensions: 36mm diameter; 12mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: RadiumCaliber: Automatic caliber 1555Bracelet/Strap: Original Rolex brown alligator strap with Rolex buckleLug Width: 19mmBox/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know This watch is in good condition with minimal signs of wear. The case has definitely been worn and has a few minor scratches on the outer bottom right lug. The dial is in very good condition with light spotting throughout, however this is only visible through a loupe. The lume plots are mostly intact, but the color of the lume has faded at the same rate as the handset. This is a stunning and unusual vintage Day-Date.
