Rolex Day-Date

Why We Love It The 1803 came in a panoply of case materials, from warm red gold to white gold. As for the dial, well, we’ve seen everything from oxblood to mint green and everything in between. But for a refined, elegant everyday dress watch, we don’t think you can go wrong with the yellow gold and metallic gray dial of the one we offer here. Minted in 1977, the waning end of the 1803’s run, this Day-Date will certainly make your day every time you strap it on your wrist. The luminescent elements show signs of a gorgeous patina, and the Spanish day wheel gives it an extra flair. If you’re feeling presidential, then this is the watch for you. The Story At the time of the Day-Date’s release in 1956, it was Rolex’s only complicated wristwatch. All previous attempts had failed to resonate with consumers. But as soon as Rolex secured the patent in July of 1955, production of the Day-Date was rushed for a debut at the Basel Fair the following spring. After President Eisenhower sported one (a gift from the manufacture), its success was secured, and led to the model's nickname: the President. The model would be tweaked and improved throughout the 1950s and on into the 60s, until the addition of a hacking capability to the movement saw the introduction of the Reference 1803 in 1965. Due to its long production run—over a decade—the 1803 is, for many collectors, the reference of Day-Date to own.