Day-Date 1803

In Context

At 36 mm it is classically proportioned: the size a dress watch was understood to be for most of the twentieth century, and small enough to sit under a cuff. The case back is closed, so the movement stays out of sight, and the plexiglass crystal scratches easily but polishes back out at home, which sapphire does not. 50 m covers rain and hand-washing comfortably; it is not a watch to swim in.

The movement winds itself from the motion of your wrist.

1803 Stella Red is one of 8 executions of the 1803 base reference. Underneath they are the same watch; what separates this one is a red dial and a yellow gold case. Beyond the time it carries a day-date.

Fourth generation of Rolex Day-Date movements. Beat increased to 19800 bph. Introduced around 1965. Hacking feature added in 1972.

12 other watches in the library run the Rolex 1556.

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Day-Date 1802

1802 Qaboos · 36 mm

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Platinum Day-Date 1804

1804 · 36 mm

Rolex

Day-Date 1803

1803 Arab · 36 mm

Rolex

Day-Date 1804

1804 Stella Turquoise · 36 mm