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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch

Rolex Day-Date 1803

Partially verified

This Rolex Day-Date reference 1803 is a 36 mm wristwatch encased in 18k yellow gold. The watch features a white pie-pan dial finished with a matte surface, black printed text, and gold-applied baton hour markers. Lume plots are visible on the dial, which is protected by a plexi crystal. The timekeeper is powered by a Rolex calibre 1556 movement, which employs a non-quickset mechanism for adjusting the day and date displays. The day disc indicates the day of the week in English. The watch is currently paired with a leather strap and a pin buckle from Bulang & Sons. The auction description reports that the movement has undergone a service by their watchmaker.

Front view of the Rolex Day-Date reference 1803 showing the white pie-pan dial, gold case, and leather strap.
Front view of the Rolex Day-Date reference 1803 showing the white pie-pan dial, gold case, and leather strap. — Bulang & Sons. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bulangandsons.com
Category
Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
1803
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1977
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
517xxxx

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in a 36 mm case constructed from 18k yellow gold. It features a characteristic fluted bezel. The case construction incorporates a plexi crystal covering the dial.

The dial is a white pie-pan style design featuring a matte finish. It displays the Rolex coronet and branding alongside gold baton-style hour markers. Black text is used for the minute track and movement certification markings. Small cream-coloured luminous plots are situated at the hour positions. The hands fitted to the watch are reported as later Luminova replacements.

Evidence for this section
  • “36mm yellow gold case, plexi crystal”
  • “crisp fluted bezel”
  • “White pie-pan style dial, black text”
  • “The hands are fitted with later Luminova.”

Movement and Functionality

The watch is powered by the Rolex calibre 1556. This self-winding movement utilizes a non-quickset day and date mechanism, requiring the time to be advanced manually to change these calendar functions, a process often referred to as slow-setting.

The day of the week is displayed in the aperture at the 12 o'clock position on an English-language disc, while the date is shown via a window at 3 o'clock. The seller confirms the movement has been serviced.

Evidence for this section
  • “inside beats Rolex’s renowned calibre 1556”
  • “traditional non-quickset, or “slow-set”, day and date mechanism”
  • “English day-disc”
  • “Fully serviced by our watchmaker”

Service and Accessories

The watch is presented on a third-party leather strap supplied by Bulang & Sons, secured by a pin buckle of the same origin.

The documentation provided by the seller identifies the watch as dating from 1977 based on the serial number 517xxxx.

Evidence for this section
  • “Comes on the pictured Bulang and Sons strap and buckle”
  • “Serial no 517xxxx dating to 1977”
  • “One-year mechanical warranty”

Open research questions

  • Verification of the dial's original lume application status
  • Confirmation of service history records for the calibre 1556 movement

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Day-Date 1803
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ModelDay-Date 1803“Rolex Day-Date 1803”
Case Material18k yellow gold“18k yellow gold”
Case Diameter36 mm“mm yellow gold case”
Serial Number517xxxx“Serial no 517xxxx”
Year of Manufacture1977“dating to 1977”
MovementCalibre 1556“Rolex’s renowned calibre 1556”
CrystalPlexi“plexi crystal”

Visible details

  • White pie-pan style dial with matte finish
  • Fluted bezel in yellow gold
  • English day indicator
  • Gold baton indices with lume plots

Research qualifications

  • The hands are described as fitted with later Luminova, rather than original tritium
  • Originality of dial lume is not explicitly detailed beyond being cream-coloured

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Rolex Day-Date 1803 White Dial in 18k Yellow Gold

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 4f74391cd3

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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