1972 Rolex Day-Date 'Wide Boy' Reference 1803 In Yellow Gold
Why This Watch Matters
There are few watches that compare to the Day-Date, and this 1803 boasts a smoky grey dial and fancy wide indexes.
The Full Story
The Day-Date is one of the pillar watches produced by Rolex. Originally released in 1956, the reference 1803 soon became one of the most desirable “luxury” watches to own at the time. The yellow-gold version you see here from 1972 features a warm smoke-grey dial and full set of beautifully aged lume plots complete with unusual wide-set indexes. Day-Dates like this reference 1803 are pretty unusual and this one is complete with inscription on the caseback from the Arabian American Oil Company for 30 years of service in 1973.
The Fine Print
Maker: Rolex
Model: Day-Date
Reference: 1803
Year: 1972
Case No: 3088xxx
Material: 18k yellow gold
Dimensions: 36mm diameter; 12mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Tritium
Caliber: Automatic caliber 1555
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Smooth Taupe Calfskin Strap
Lug Width: 19mm
Box/Papers: No
What we Love and What You Should Know
Overall this watch is in really good condition with minimal signs of wear. The case appears to be relatively untouched with signs of very light polishing (if any). The dial is in incredible condition with no signs of aging and full lume plots. The caseback has an inscription that reads, “Presented to Abbas Piadi Al. Alauiyal by Arabian American Oil Company in appreciation of 30 years' service 1973.”
Description
Why This Watch Matters
There are few watches that compare to the Day-Date, and this 1803 boasts a smoky grey dial and fancy wide indexes.
The Full Story
The Day-Date is one of the pillar watches produced by Rolex. Originally released in 1956, the reference 1803 soon became one of the most desirable “luxury” watches to own at the time. The yellow-gold version you see here from 1972 features a warm smoke-grey dial and full set of beautifully aged lume plots complete with unusual wide-set indexes. Day-Dates like this reference 1803 are pretty unusual and this one is complete with inscription on the caseback from the Arabian American Oil Company for 30 years of service in 1973.
The Fine Print
Maker: Rolex
Model: Day-Date
Reference: 1803
Year: 1972
Case No: 3088xxx
Material: 18k yellow gold
Dimensions: 36mm diameter; 12mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Tritium
Caliber: Automatic caliber 1555
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Smooth Taupe Calfskin Strap
Lug Width: 19mm
Box/Papers: No
What we Love and What You Should Know
Overall this watch is in really good condition with minimal signs of wear. The case appears to be relatively untouched with signs of very light polishing (if any). The dial is in incredible condition with no signs of aging and full lume plots. The caseback has an inscription that reads, “Presented to Abbas Piadi Al. Alauiyal by Arabian American Oil Company in appreciation of 30 years' service 1973.”
