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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch

Rolex Day-Date Reference 1803

Partially verified

This Rolex Day-Date, reference 1803, is a wristwatch produced in 18k yellow gold, featuring a 36 mm case. The watch is equipped with a champagne-coloured, pie-pan style dial, which incorporates black baton hour markers and fine Arabic numerals on the minute track. It displays the date in a window at the 3 o'clock position, magnified by a crystal cyclops, and the day of the week in a full window at the 12 o'clock position. The day-disc is printed in English. Powering the watch is the self-winding calibre 1556 movement, which utilizes a non-quickset mechanism for adjusting the day and date. The watch is fitted with a leather strap. According to the provided serial number 252xxxx, the piece dates to 1970. The movement has undergone servicing by the seller.

Front view of the Rolex Day-Date 1803, showing the champagne pie-pan dial, English day disc, and fluted gold bezel on a leather strap.
Front view of the Rolex Day-Date 1803, showing the champagne pie-pan dial, English day disc, and fluted gold bezel on a leather strap. — Bulang and 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
1970
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
252xxxx

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 is housed in a 36 mm case manufactured from 18k yellow gold. The bezel features a characteristic fluted design. A plexi crystal is installed, which incorporates the standard magnifying cyclops lens over the date aperture located at the 3 o'clock position.

The dial displays a champagne colour with a soleil finish and a pie-pan configuration. It is distinguished by the application of black baton hour markers and fine Arabic numerals located on the peripheral minute track. The day of the week is shown in a full aperture at 12 o'clock, with the disc printed in English.

Evidence for this section
  • “36mm yellow gold case, plexi crystal”
  • “Champagne colour pie-pan style dial, with small Arabic numerals”
  • “English day-disc”

Movement and Mechanism

The watch is powered by the Rolex calibre 1556. This is a self-winding mechanical movement that provides the signature day and date function associated with the Day-Date model.

The calibre 1556 uses a non-quickset, or 'slow-set', mechanism, meaning the date and day cannot be advanced independently through the crown in the same manner as later quickset movements. The seller reports that the movement has been fully serviced.

Evidence for this section
  • “Inside beats Rolex's renowned calibre 1556 with the traditional non-quickset ("slow-set") day and date mechanism.”
  • “Fully serviced by our watchmaker”

Identification and Configuration

The watch is identified by the reference number 1803. The serial number provided is 252xxxx, which associates the production year of the watch with 1970.

The watch is presented on an aftermarket leather strap produced by Bulang and Sons. No original bracelet is mentioned or included with this specific configuration.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rolex Day-date Reference 1803”
  • “Serial 252xxxx dating to 1970”
  • “Comes on the pictured Bulang and Sons strap”

Open research questions

  • Does the serial 252xxxx correspond to the production records for the reference 1803 in 1970?
  • Is the dial original to the reference 1803, specifically regarding the application of black baton markers on a champagne surface?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Day-Date Reference 1803
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference1803“reference 1803”
Serial Number252xxxx“Serial 252xxxx”
Date1970“dating to 1970”
Case Material18k yellow gold“18k yellow gold”
MovementCalibre 1556“Rolex's renowned calibre 1556”
Dial StyleChampagne pie-pan“Champagne colour pie-pan style dial”
Day Disc LanguageEnglish“English day-disc”

Visible details

  • Fluted 18k yellow gold bezel
  • Plexi crystal with cyclops lens
  • Pie-pan dial with soleil finish
  • English language day display

Research qualifications

  • Mechanical warranty coverage is limited to one year
  • The strap is a third-party Bulang and Sons aftermarket component

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

Consulted source

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

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 71f3d29f96

Terms in this record

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

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