Rolex Day-Date 1803 'Guilloche'

Museum Piece
Another niche, within the Day-Date line, to be enamoured by: Guilloche dials.

Another niche, within the Day-Date line, to be enamoured by: Guilloche dials. What a way to make an, already spectacular, pink gold 1803 even more special!

Let's start with the packaging of this Day-Date: the case and bracelet. Pink-gold has only been sparsely used by Rolex in the 60's and 70's and its rarity compared to yellow gold is probably thirtyfold. This rare metal 1803 (reference refers to the fluted bezel) is also paired with a more uncommon choice of bracelet: the Jubilee.

After concluding the case and bracelet are out of the ordinary, 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. The periphery of the dial does not carry this finish, but still sports all tritium lumeplots; perfectly aged. The lay-out features thicker "doorstop markers" at the 6 and 9 o'clock position, bringing perfect balance in combination with the date and day aperture.

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. Hence the thick lugs, sharp bezel and pristine bracelet. Enjoy!