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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Day-Date wristwatch

Rolex Day-Date Reference 1803

Partially verified

This Rolex Day-Date, designated as reference 1803, is an automatic wristwatch from approximately 1964. The watch features a solid yellow gold Oyster case with a characteristic fluted bezel. The sunburst silver dial is equipped with patinated Tritium hour plots and a matching handset. It displays the date at the 3 o'clock position under a cyclops lens and the day of the week in a window at the 12 o'clock position. The movement is indicated as a chronometer by the text "SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED" on the dial. The watch is currently fitted with a leather strap rather than a metal bracelet. The exterior shows standard signs of wear, with the auction description noting that the case retains its thickness and symmetry, suggesting it may have avoided significant polishing in the past. Clear hallmarks are reported on the undersides of the lugs.

Rolex Day-Date Reference 1803 showing the silver sunburst dial and fluted gold bezel.
Rolex Day-Date Reference 1803 showing the silver sunburst dial and fluted gold bezel. — 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 1964
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 watch is housed in an Oyster case constructed of solid yellow gold, featuring a distinct fluted bezel. The vendor describes the case as remaining thick and symmetrical, proposing that it may have been spared from intensive polishing procedures during its history. Normal signs of wear are visible across the surfaces of the metal.

The sunburst silver dial is complemented by patinated Tritium luminous plots and a handset matching the dial's aesthetic. The display includes the standard day aperture at the 12 o'clock position and a date window located at 3 o'clock, which is magnified by the characteristic cyclops lens. Hallmarks remain present and clear on the undersides of the lugs.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Oyster case remains thick and symmetrical, perhaps spared of previous polishing, and shows normal signs of wear throughout with clear hallmarks on the lug undersides.”
  • “The sunburst silver dial within remains crisp and vibrant with patinated Tritium plots and a matching handset.”

Movement and Functionality

The watch operates as a self-winding timepiece, marked on the dial as a Superlative Chronometer. This text indicates that the watch has undergone certification testing to ensure timekeeping precision. It functions by displaying the hours, minutes, and seconds, alongside the dual calendar complications of day and date.

While the movement is not fully detailed in the source, the reference 1803 designation indicates it is a member of the Day-Date family, which introduced these specific calendar functions in 1956.

Evidence for this section
  • “The sunburst silver dial within remains crisp and vibrant with patinated Tritium plots and a matching handset.”
  • “When the Day-Date was released in 1956, Rolex had made numerous attempts to capture the market with more complicated timepieces”

Provenance and Presentation

This specific piece is identified by the vendor as a 1964 example of the reference 1803. The listing describes the object's evolution from the initial release of the Day-Date model, noting its popular association with historical figures, which resulted in the unofficial designation of the watch as the 'President'.

The current presentation on a leather strap is highlighted by the seller as an alternative to the solid gold 'President' bracelet commonly found on this reference.

Evidence for this section
  • “The piece that we have here, a Reference 1803, dates to circa 1964”
  • “The model has since become known worldwide as ‘The President’ and as a symbol of success and prestige.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber housed within this case?
  • Can the case serial number be verified to confirm the 1964 production date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Day-Date Reference 1803
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference1803“Reference 1803”
Datecirca 1964“dates to circa 1964”
Case MaterialYellow gold“solid yellow gold”
DialSunburst silver“sunburst silver dial”
Dial MarkersTritium plots“patinated Tritium plots”
Case ConditionShows normal signs of wear“shows normal signs of wear throughout”

Visible details

  • Sunburst silver dial with tritium plots
  • Fluted yellow gold bezel
  • Date window at 3 o'clock with magnification lens
  • Day aperture at 12 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • Polishing status is speculative
  • Exact production year is an estimate

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

Consulted source

Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 - Sunburst Silver Dial

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record a52f219baf

Terms in this record

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

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