Rolex Day-Date 1803 with Gold "Linen" Sigma Dial

Dealer description — Collectors Corner NY

Introduced in 1956, the Rolex Day-Date was the first wristwatch to display both the day of the week and the date on its dial. Beyond this practical complication, it became synonymous with influential individuals throughout the following decades, including celebrities and leaders of industry. After adorning the wrists of both U.S. Presidents and other world leaders, the nickname "President" became synonymous with the model. Today, the Day-Date represents a tradition of Swiss watchmaking excellence and serves as a testament to Rolex's unwavering commitment to quality, precision, and enduring style. This four digit example, circa 1973, features a less common "linen"/gold sigma dial that adds some nice texture over the "champagne" variants we see more often. Sigma is also more seldom seen and denotes the use of solid gold markers via the "OT Swiss TO" signature. Sigma dials have become very collectible as they were built for only a short period as a marketing tool for Swiss watch brands to highlight the use of gold, hence added value in mechanical timepieces as the quartz crisis was taking place and threatening the mechanical watch industry. We believe the 1803 is a perfect entry point into the realm of Day-Date collecting from a relative value standpoint and many collectors would say it is the best reference to wear on a strap for its slimmer feeling case dimensions. This piece boasts a mint dial with strong case condition and comes with an 18k Rolex buckle. If you've been looking for excellent value in a precious metal Rolex, a "head only" 1803 is the place to go! Explore more of our vintage Rolex watches .