Rolex Day-Date 1802 'Geometric Guilloche'

An 1802 with special order dial made out of solid gold, featuring a geometric guilloche with a tantalizing pattern and XL diamonds.

Every Day-Date that does not instantly look like a Day-Date is special by default. Starting with the case that has a slightly more unusual bezel. Instead of the fluted variant, the 1802 displays a smooth and domed one. The bezel and case are very strong for a specimen that's half a century old.

Another interesting part from the 70's is this Mesh band, catalogued by Rolex under number 7722. The gentleman who ordered this special piece prioritised unique looks and didn't opt for the standard President bracelet but rather liked this comfortable and fine bracelet. Besides quite few of these 7722 were ever delivered, they are also more fragile; so most did not survive or don't look as great as this one.

After concluding the case and bracelet are uncommon, we take a look at the most important aspect: the dial. Occasionally seasoned Rolex collectors come across these artisanal and solid gold "pie-pan" dials that feature a guilloche pattern. Finding one of these always sparks enthusiasm and the way the lights plays with the surface is a lust to the eyes. We have had one more with this same geometric lay-out, however that featured Indic Arabic numerals. This dial configuration has extra large diamonds that we have come to know from the platinum Day-Dates, yet this is executed in a less noble metal. But with a special order anything is possible. To emphasise the beauty of the dial we supplied this watch with a domed crystal without a cyclops.

It does not necessarily come as a surprise that it is very well preserved. Owners of such pieces tend to have large collections so not a lot of "wrist time" is allocated per watch. The previous owner has at least 5 other Day-Dates from this period (with different geometric dials) and we are happy it found our way to Amsterdam from Italy.