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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 dating to approximately 1963. It features a yellow gold Oyster case with a characteristic yellow gold fluted bezel. The watch is fitted with a sunburst silver dial, described as a 'Swiss Only' dial, which includes Tritium plots and door-stop style indices. The timepiece displays a day indicator at the 12 o'clock position and a date aperture with a magnifying cyclops lens at 3 o'clock. It is equipped with an obelisk-style handset. The watch is presented on a Rolex-signed brown leather strap accompanied by a signed yellow gold-tone buckle. According to the provided information, the watch casing retains its original symmetry, exhibiting light signs of wear and localized tarnishing on the bezel and under-lug areas, while the dial surface remains clear with patina on the luminescent markers.

Front-facing view of the Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 with sunburst silver dial, fluted bezel, and brown leather strap.
Front-facing view of the Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 with sunburst silver dial, fluted bezel, and brown leather strap. — 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 1963
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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 Construction

The timepiece features a yellow gold Oyster case, which the seller describes as retaining its original thickness and symmetry. The bezel is constructed in yellow gold and incorporates a fluted finish. The exterior of the case shows standard usage signs, including light rosy-toned oxidation located on the underside of the lugs and along the bezel.

The dial is a sunburst-finished silver display identified as a 'Swiss Only' variant. It features door-stop markers and Tritium luminous plots, both of which show signs of patina. The handset is configured in an obelisk style, and a cyclops lens is integrated over the 3 o'clock date aperture.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Oyster case remains thick and symmetrical”
  • “characteristic 'fluted' yellow gold bezel”
  • “silver 'Swiss Only' dial”
  • “light 'rosy' tarnishing visible on the 'door stop' indices”

Strap and Hardware

Unlike Day-Date models that use the factory gold 'President' bracelet, this unit is supplied on a leather strap. The strap is brown, fashioned from leather, and marked with the Rolex signature.

The attachment hardware includes a signed buckle. The metal components of this buckle are finished in a yellow gold-tone, corresponding to the aesthetic of the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “fitted with a Rolex-signed brown leather strap with a signed yellow gold-tone buckle”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description reports the watch to be a strong example from the Rolex Day-Date line. The date of manufacture is attributed to approximately 1963 based on the model and dial specifications.

Regarding condition, the watch displays expected wear patterns commensurate with age. The luminous material on the dial retains a patina, and the aforementioned tarnishing on the case is described as light.

Evidence for this section
  • “dates to circa 1963, is a strong example”
  • “shows normal signs of wear throughout”
  • “nicely patinated Tritium plots”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber housed within this reference 1803?
  • Can the manufacture date be narrowed down by internal case-back stamping?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference1803“Reference 1803”
Datecirca 1963“dates to circa 1963”
Case materialYellow gold“finished in solid yellow gold”
Dial descriptionSilver 'Swiss Only' sunburst“silver 'Swiss Only' dial”
BraceletRolex-signed brown leather“Rolex-signed brown leather strap”

Visible details

  • Sunburst silver dial with door-stop indices
  • Yellow gold fluted bezel
  • Brown leather strap with signed gold-tone buckle
  • Date window at 3 o'clock with cyclops magnification

Research qualifications

  • The exact production year is attributed as circa 1963
  • No internal movement or case-back serial imagery provided

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

Consulted source

Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 - Sunburst Silver 'Swiss Only' Dial

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 355f30371c

Terms in this record

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

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