ROLEX DAYDATE REF. 1803 CLAW INDEX RIVETTI BRACELET

In 1956, Rolex introduced one of its most iconic and cherished creations: the Day-Date, the first automatic, waterproof wristwatch to display both the date and the day of the week. A groundbreaking innovation, it was the first watch to feature the date at three o’clock and the day of the week at 12 o’clock. Over the years, Rolex offered numerous aesthetic variations of the Day-Date, each distinguished by its reference number and the bezel finish. Among these, the reference 1803 stands out as the most iconic. It debuted in 1959 with the original fluted bezel design, which quickly became synonymous with the Day-Date and remains its most recognizable and celebrated feature.

This Rolex Day-Date reference 1803 is an early example manufactured in 1962, just a few years after the reference debuted in 1959. As one of the earliest 1803 models, it boasts several rare and desirable features unique to this period. The dial is marked “Swiss,” indicating the use of radium rather than tritium, a detail found only in the earliest examples. It also features rare claw-shaped indexes and sword-shaped hands, both of which are highly uncommon. The movement is powered by the caliber 1555, consistent with the first series of 1803 watches. Additionally, the original riveted bracelet, dated 1962 with correct 76 endlinks, enhances the watch’s desirability. The watch is in excellent condition for its age. The dial shows only some light signs of aging, with an attractive brown patina that has developed over the years, lume on hands and dial correctly reacts to UV light, bezel and movement are well preserved. The bracelet, though partially repaired in the final links, remains a fitting complement to this historically significant timepiece

Year 1962, diameter 36mm, Serial Number 816,XXX.

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