Brand: Rolex
Model: Day-Date
Reference: 1803
Year: 1960
Serial number: 621XXX
Material: 18 carat yellow gold
bracelet: 18 carat yellow gold
Diameter: 36 Millimeter
Condition: very good
Box&Papers: Yes
Description: Extremely rare and beautiful early 1803 in an absolute collector’s set.
The case is in top condition. Probably lightly polished by a real expert in his field, it impresses with full lugs, wonderfully sharp edges and a great matte finish on the top of the case. There are minor signs of wear, but of course no deep scratches, dents or anything like that.
Also note the distance between the bezel and the crown. Early 1803s were generally a bit thinner and more delicate and if you can still see the distance between the case, bezel and crown, it is a top case.
The early 1803s also have another special feature. The bezel is more delicate and therefore a little more subtle. The condition of the bezel is excellent, just as the case, with clear teeth and only minor signs of wear.
The dial is a gorgeous silver sunray-cut dial and with the SWISS Only lettering correct for the year of manufacture. These silver dials are quite rare, because back then people wanted their watches to be tone-in-tone, i.e. a gold watch with a gold dial which is also the reason why collectors today look for silver dials and other non-golden colors. They are simply much rarer.
The condition of the dial is beautiful and without the typical spots on the dial that often occur with radium lume material. The hands are also great and these are beautiful and rare Dauphine hands.
In addition to the great condition and the bracelet (more on that later), the scope of delivery is an absolute highlight.
I have been collecting watches for 20 years and have never seen such a complete early day-date set which includes:
Original chronometer certificate with reference and serial number from January 26, 1961
Original certificate from Siow Hiap Brothers in Hongkon dated February 25, 1961
Original purchase invoice from Siow Hiap Brothers in Hong Kong
Mega rare large Day-Date box with white leather outer box
And for me, the absolute hit. The beautiful Day-Date booklet with green cover. Back then, they really thought about something for their customers, see the glued-in pictures. I didn’t know that these booklets existed until today and now you know how rare they are 😉
A highlight is still to come. The wonderful Jubilee bracelet not only fits perfectly, no, it is the very rare BIG LOGO version. The condition is excellent. Just as the watch, lightly polished and with just light stretch. Clasp code is 1/60 and therefore perfectly timed.
Conclusion: highlight piece. Beautiful early Day-Date in an absolute collector’s set.
