Linen Dial 1803 Rolex Day-Date

If Rolex had an essentials album, the 1803 would undoubtedly be a starred track. In production for nearly three decades as the halo product, Wilsdorf’s innovative Day-Date complication became synonymous with status after a 1966 ad with a red phone which simply stated, ‘the president’s watch.’ Day-Date collecting could be considered an art itself, given the immense variations which exist in dial, case, and bracelet treatment within each reference. For all the diverse dials the Day-Date has debuted, this gold linen texture surely ranks toward the top.

This pie pan dial did not survive the update to a five digit reference and remains one of the most collected styles. The texture is subtle and nicely sets off the brushed gold lug top and outer links. The 1803 utilized Rolex’s calibre 1556, which allows the day and date calendar discs to be adjusted by turning the crown clockwise and counter-clockwise. This example is paired with an early production President bracelet which completes the look perfectly.

The case here is quite well preserved for an early 18k gold alloy. There is still brushing visible and the lugs are sharp. That gorgeous linen dial is not tarnished or degraded, a uncommon sight. The tritium application is an even cream and all pips are present on the dial. It comes as a naked watch from a well-regarded retailer.

Find this Linen 1803 here from Special Dial for ~17650 USD.