The 1803 is the vintage Day-Date at its most refined: 36mm precious-metal Oyster case, fluted bezel, pie-pan dial, and a semi-circular three-link President bracelet. Produced only in 18k gold or platinum, it spans a range of dials that include the coveted 'stella' lacquer colors (turquoise, coral, oxblood, salmon), stone dials, wood dials, and factory diamond settings. The pie-pan dials in this reference age spectacularly—champagne dials develop warm tropical tones, and white dials often turn cream. Any 1803 with an original stella dial in unrestored condition is a serious collector piece.
← The Rolex Directory
Reference
1803
Day-Date
1959–1977
The vintage President—the reference the modern Day-Date measures itself against.
- Case
- 36mm
- Caliber
- 1555 / 1556
- Years
- 1959–1977
What to watch for
Refinished stella dials (the lacquer is heat-sensitive and easily ruined), aftermarket diamond settings, and stretched President bracelets.