Superb and Rare 1970 Rolex Day-Date 1803 “Red Quarters”

We are pleased to present this exceptional Rolex Day-Date reference 1803 in 18k yellow gold, produced in 1973.
It is equipped with a rare dial, appreciated by connoisseurs: the “Red Quarters Dial”, with quarter hour indications printed in red, and a long President bracelet in yellow gold which will suit even the strongest wrists.
Incredibly well preserved since its birth over 50 years ago, this watch is one of the most attractive Day-Dates we have ever owned.

The Day-Date is one of Rolex's most iconic models. Introduced in 1956, this collection has been in continuous production for almost 70 years. Numerous variations have followed one another: from the first models with “heart” indexes to hard stone dials, through the colored lacquers known as “Stella Dials”, or more recently the introduction of meteorite dials… This is what makes the charm of the Day-Date, and the interest of collectors for this model: its diversity.

Made exclusively of precious metals and dubbed “the Presidents’ watch,” it is a symbol of prestige, innovation and enduring sophistication.

The reference 1803 occupies a special place in the lineage of Day-Dates. It is the reference par excellence, the one which, produced for 20 years from 1958 to 1978, perhaps saw the greatest diversity of dials out of all the iterations.

The watch we present today has a rare and desirable dial appreciated by connoisseurs: the “Red Quarters Dial”. This nickname comes from the presence of quarter hour indications on the exterior minute track of the dial – an unusual fact in itself – painted in red, a color that vintage Rolex enthusiasts particularly appreciate, due to the ‘pep’ it adds to the dial and the place it occupies on many of the most celebrated Rolex models of the second half of the 20th century. The Red Quarters dial corresponds to the year of production of the watch – in fact, since this dial has captured our interest for several years, we have listed the serial numbers of all the examples we have had the chance to see. According to our research, this dial was only used by Rolex between approximately 1968 and 1973.

The case back has a “Geneva Key” no. 12 hallmark indicating that the gold case was manufactured by the company Genex SA, a Rolex subcontractor, in Chêne-Bourg (Switzerland).

The overall condition of this watch is exceptional. From the pristine white dial to the tight bracelet, the angular fluted bezel and a perfectly defined case with crisp, deep hallmarks, this is quite simply the best-preserved Day-Date we've been able to present to date. For the enlightened amateur, this is an opportunity not to be missed!

The white Red Quarters dial, with a slightly grained surface texture, is in very good condition. The luminescent material dots (tritium base) are all present, very round, and have developed a superb homogeneous golden patina, as have the hands, and the luminous material reacts correctly under the UV lamp.
The case and bezel are remarkably well-preserved, and retain particularly sharp delineations between the satin-finished and shiny surfaces.
The long gold Rolex President bracelet is in perfect condition and shows absolutely zero stretch.
The movement, superlative chronometer certified Rolex caliber 1556, has been serviced by one of our watchmakers specializing in vintage Rolex calibers and runs wonderfully, within the strictest tolerances. The date and day jump perfectly.

All the watches available on our website have been meticulously inspected by our team of experts to guarantee their authenticity and originality.

All our watches are systematically checked for mechanical function and precision, and undergo a complete overhaul if necessary.

Every watch sold is covered by a two-year warranty.

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