Rolex Day-Date 1803 “Red Quarters”

We are delighted to present this extraordinary Rolex Day-Date reference 1803 in 18k yellow gold, crafted in 1973. This timepiece features a rare “Red Quarters Dial,” highly prized by aficionados, with quarter-hour indications printed in red, and it boasts a long President bracelet in yellow gold, accommodating even the most robust wrists. Remarkably well-preserved for over 50 years, this watch ranks as one of the most appealing Day-Dates in our collection.

The Day-Date is one of Rolex’s flagship models, first launched in 1956 and continuously produced for nearly seven decades. The model has seen various iterations: from initial versions with “heart” indices to hard stone dials and the vibrant “Stella Dials” in colored lacquers, and more recently, dials made from meteorite. This diversity is part of the Day-Date’s charm and a significant reason for its enduring collector appeal.

Exclusively crafted from precious metals and known as “the Presidents’ watch,” the Day-Date symbolizes prestige, innovation, and lasting sophistication.

The reference 1803 holds a special place in the Day-Date lineage, representing the quintessential model produced for 20 years from 1958 to 1978 and featuring perhaps the broadest diversity of dials.

The “Red Quarters Dial” on the watch we present is rare and sought after. Its name derives from the quarter-hour markers on the external minute track of the dial—uncommon in itself—rendered in red, a color that vintage Rolex enthusiasts particularly cherish for the vibrancy it adds to the dial and its prominence in many of Rolex’s most iconic models from the latter half of the 20th century. Our research shows that Rolex used this dial design exclusively from around 1968 to 1973.

The case back is marked with a “Geneva Key” no. 12 hallmark, indicating that the gold case was produced by Genex SA, a Rolex subcontractor, in Chêne-Bourg, Switzerland.

The overall condition of this watch is outstanding, from the immaculate white dial to the snug bracelet, sharply fluted bezel, and a perfectly defined case with crisp, deep hallmarks. This is, without doubt, the finest Day-Date we have had the privilege to offer. For discerning collectors, this represents a rare opportunity not to be missed!