Rare, and burgundy red, just how we like our wines. While white gold Day-Dates are already less common than their yellow gold examples, this example takes things a step further with the Oxblood Stella dial. An attractive and seldom-seen combination, particularly on a four-digit Day-Date reference.

This rich oxblood lacquer, supplied by Stella SA, has become one of the most sought-after dial variations among Day-Date collectors. The deep burgundy surface is complemented by thick silver printing and baton hour markers, giving the dial a clean and well-balanced appearance. A desirable detail that adds another layer of rarity to an already exceptional configuration is the Chinese day wheel. Funnily enough the date remains regular Arabic.

The condition is equally appealing. The case has retained its strong lines, the fluted bezel remains crisp, and the President bracelet shows only light stretch, especially considering the watch left the factory in 1971. The plexiglass crystal adds a sense of warmth and depth to the pie-pan Stella dial.

More than fifty years after it was made, this reference 1803 remains a wonderful watch to wear, but it is also a configuration that rarely comes to market in this condition. Finding another example like this is unlikely to happen anytime soon.