Rolex Oyster Perpetual “Day Date” 18K 1966 – Sorry Now Sold!

Description

Here we have a beautifully restored example of the range topping Rolex ‘Day-Date’ Automatic gentleman’s dress watch in 18ct yellow gold from 1966. This is Rolex model ref. 1803 with the Chronometer Grade Calibre 1556 automatic movement. The Rolex Oyster case with a screw down crown made the Rolex Day Date the world’s first waterproof automatic wristwatch to include a Day and Date function. This is a lightly used and well cared for example which has required only a very light polish to bring the case back to almost new condition.

The Rolex ‘Day-Date’, is also referred to as the President or President’s watch, after a gift of 150,000th Officially Certified Rolex Chronometer was accepted by General Dwight D. Eisenhower. And of course, in 1952 Eisenhower won the presidential race, becoming the 34th president of the United States. A famous image shows Eisenhower wearing his Rolex while waving on his way to his inauguration in 1953. This was of course a master-stroke of marketing by Rolex who would later claim in successive advertising campaigns that the Rolex Day-Date was ‘the watch worn by Presidents everywhere’. Which later, of course, became true.

Incidentally, Winston Churchill also wore a Rolex after he accepted his gift of the 100,000th Officially Certified Rolex Chronometer a few years earlier in 1947.

When the Day-Date was unveiled by Rolex in 1956, the watch immediately broke two records. It was the first watch to display the date, as well as the day, in its entirety and of course it was therefore the first waterproof watch to display the date, as well as the day, in its entirety.

The Dial

This is the original silver dial which has been beautifully restored bringing it back to ‘as new’ condition. It carries the signature ‘Rolex Crown’ at 12 o’clock and ‘Stick’ baton hour markers around the dial which have also become a classic motif. The silver dial appears almost white in certain lights and is a beautiful contrast to the yellow gold case.

The Case

This is the original Swiss hallmarked 18K solid gold case, measuring 36mm in diameter without the crown. The case is in immaculate condition having simply been cleaned and very carefully polished. Inside the case-back are all the correct markings, including two Swiss 18ct hallmarks and 0.0750 18K with ‘MONTRES ROLEX SA GENEVA SWITZERLAND’ and the model number 1803.

The Movement

The original high grade “Officially Certified Superlative Chronometer” 26 Jewels, 1556 calibre movement is very highly regarded for being particularly accurate, reliable and strong. Here, it is in sparkling condition and it is working perfectly following a thorough overhaul and service by our watchmaker. It is signed MONTRES ROLEX SA GENEVA and TWENTY SIX JEWELS, ADJUSTED FIVE POSITIONS. The movement carries the movement reference number and the calibre number 1556. The movement has been very carefully calibrated and is running strongly and accurately at around +10 seconds per day. It is now ready for many more years faithful service and it is perfected suited for everyday use. The watch is offered with twelve months warranty on the movement*.

Strap and Buckle

A new very high quality black ‘croc’ leather strap is fitted with a matching gold plated buckle. If a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to provide one free of charge.

The Box and Papers

Original paperwork for a watch of this age is very rare and although there is none with this watch, the numbers and markings on the watch are all correct, dating it to 1966. A detailed written receipt, with a 12 months warranty* and a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will be provided at the time of sale. The Rolex presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

In Conclusion

This is a beautiful example of an iconic vintage watch from horology’s most famous name and if treated with care, it will become an excellent investment as well as something for you to treasure and enjoy. Even though vintage Rolex prices have risen considerably in recent years, we still feel good examples such as this are undervalued and as the world market for vintage Rolex continues to expand, this means prices are likely to climb ever higher.

We are happy to accept Paypal as this is the quickest method of payment. However if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you.

*Note – 12 Month warranty only included if the list price is paid.

If you have any questions please call on Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250

Or if calling from overseas on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250

Please note we welcome part exchanges.

Finally please take a look at our other Vintage Gold Watches!

– Thank you.