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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch

Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803

Partially verified

This Rolex Day-Date, reference 1803, is a wristwatch featuring a yellow gold case and a matching President bracelet. The timepiece is equipped with a champagne dial finished with a sunburst pattern and includes Tritium plots along with a corresponding handset. The watch case features a fluted yellow gold bezel. The auction description reports the watch as unpolished and states it is in excellent overall condition, noting normal wear consistent with its age. The President bracelet is notable for its hidden clasp and incorporates specific stamps, which the source suggests are indicative of an original intended distribution for the South American market.

Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 featuring a champagne sunburst dial and yellow gold President bracelet.
Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 featuring a champagne sunburst dial and yellow gold President bracelet. — Oliver & Clarke Vintage Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
oliverandclarke.com
Category
Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
1803
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1974
Source-reported place
Not established

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 timepiece features a classic yellow gold case characterized by a fluted bezel, a design element standard to the reference 1803. The champagne dial is finished with a sunburst effect and retains its original Tritium plots, which are described as fully intact and exhibiting even patination.

A matching handset complements the dial, which displays the day of the week at the 12 o'clock position and the date at 3 o'clock, magnified by the signature Rolex cyclops lens. The entire exterior of the watch, including the case and bezel, is reported to remain in an unpolished state, displaying consistent signs of normal wear.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case, characteristic 'fluted' yellow gold bezel, and 'President' bracelet all remain unpolished and show matching normal wear throughout.”
  • “The 'champagne' dial within features a sunburst finishing is beautifully preserved, with fully-intact and evenly patinated Tritium plots and a perfectly matching handset.”

Bracelet and Provenance

This example is fitted with a yellow gold President bracelet, which includes a hidden clasp mechanism. The bracelet is noted for its specific stamps, which are described as rare indicators relating to its original market history.

The source identifies these markings as evidence suggesting that the watch was originally intended for the South American market, distinguishing it from units produced for other regions.

Evidence for this section
  • “The 'President' bracelet is fitted with a 'hidden' clasp and bears a few rare stamps indicating that it was originally for the South American market.”

Condition and Authenticity

The auction description reports that the watch is in excellent overall condition for its age. It emphasizes that the components, including the bracelet, bezel, and case, have not undergone any polishing, allowing the original surfaces and wear patterns to remain visible.

No internal movement condition or specific mechanical servicing history is documented in the source provided.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Reference 1803 that we have here dates to circa 1974 and comes to us in excellent overall condition.”
  • “The case, characteristic 'fluted' yellow gold bezel, and 'President' bracelet all remain unpolished and show matching normal wear throughout.”

Open research questions

  • What specific hallmarks or codes are present on the bracelet that link it to the South American market?
  • What is the exact movement caliber housed within this 1974 reference 1803?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference number1803“The Reference 1803”
Datecirca 1974“dates to circa 1974”
Dial finishSunburst champagne“'champagne' dial within features a sunburst finishing”
Bracelet typePresident“solid gold bracelet (called a 'President' bracelet)”
Clasp styleHidden clasp“fitted with a 'hidden' clasp”
ConditionUnpolished“all remain unpolished and show matching normal wear throughout.”
Luminescent materialTritium“fully-intact and evenly patinated Tritium plots”

Visible details

  • Champagne sunburst dial with applied index markers
  • Cyclops lens over the date aperture
  • Yellow gold President style bracelet
  • Fluted bezel finish

Research qualifications

  • The exact serial number is not provided in the source material
  • The specific regional distribution stamps mentioned are not explicitly photographed

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

Consulted source

Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 - Sunburst Champagne Dial Unpolished

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 06a115196d

Terms in this record

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

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