Rolex Day-Date 1803/9 'Arabic'

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The most exceptional watches often do not stand out for their flashy looks but because every aspect connects seamlessly to create a rare form of organic perfection.This early ref. 1803/9 Day-Date from 1964 combines it all: an understated look, highly desirable details, originality, and exceptional condition.The watch combines the classic Day-Date packaging in an understated but luxurious packaging. The 36 mm Oyster case, the fluted bezel, and the iconic president bracelet with the original early Oysterclasp are executed in 18k white gold. Remarkably, the watch is in exceptional condition with a super thick case, sharp edges, and a tight bracelet with the desirable big logo clasp. This is quite a feat for a watch that is nearly 60 years old!The characteristic silvered pie pan dial sports early closed cigarette-style hands. These hands have a wider base and more tapered ends than the baton hands on later Day-Dates, giving them a more elegant mid-century look. The dial is a no-lume variety and features a matching closed handset. Of course, the stand out details are the rare and desirable Arabic language day and date discs.

Introduction

Rolex DatejustIn 1945 Rolex created the flagship Datejust to mark the company’s 40th anniversary. This model was the world’s first self-winding wristwatch with a date indication. With the Datejust, Rolex also introduced the iconic 5-piece jubilee bracelet, first in solid gold and later in bicolor and stainless steel. On the tenth anniversary of the Datejust in 1955, the magnifying ‘cyclops lens’ was introduced on the Datejust.Ref. 16xxThe Datejust 16xx series was produced in the 1960s and the 1970s. These affordable and user-friendly Datejusts are the perfect vintage ‘daily beaters’ that can be combined with any outfit and worn on every occasion. The Datejust is usually fitted with a Jubilee bracelet, but the ref. 1600 could also be ordered on an Oyster bracelet. This reference came with a smooth bezel (domed bezel) and was available in either (white, yellow, or rose) gold or in stainless steel. The ref. 1601 came with a fluted bezel in gold and was available with a steel, bicolor, or (white, yellow and rose gold) case and bracelet. The ref. 1603 was only made in steel and featured an engine turned bezel in steel.The dial colors and configurations varied among the 16xx series Datejusts. Characteristic for this era of production is the so-called ‘Pie-Pan’ dial where the dial looks like an upside-down pie-pan (a concentric ring that slopes down from the flat centre).

Specifications

Shipping

Packages are generally dispatched within 2 days after receipt of payment and are shipped within the Netherlands by Registered Mail through the Dutch carrier PostNL and for other countries by Fedex. Consult us if you prefer another method of shipping. For most destinations tracking is available.