Rolex Day-Date 1803 'Lilac Stella'

Alongside the yellow coloured Stella dial, the Lilac is perhaps the most coveted and sought-after.

It also happens to be one of the rarest varieties among the various colours. Only four are known to exist on 4-digit reference Day-Dates, displaying those lovely Pie-Pan dials. This particular example is in stunning condition with the lacquer in pristine condition, whereas many stella dials have developed cracks over the years. Moreover, the tritium luminous compound in the hands and the plots have turned to a beautiful creamy color and are all intact with exception of the one at the one o'clock marker.

Produced in 1976 and almost 40 years later it was sold for the second time as it rightfully claimed a spot as a top-lot in Phillips 'Glamorous Day-Date" Auction. In the build-up it has been featured in Pucci Papaleo's literature dubbed as "Purple Rose". His Day-Date book shows the allure of Rolex' flagship model and this 1803 being exemplary. To emphasise how heralded this exact watch is: In 2021, A Collected Man wrote an article on Stella dials and used this piece in the header. Lastly, Revolution watches also published it a year prior with a close-up of the dial in their 'Stella revolution' bit. However, on these occasions it is pictured with an aftermarket-finished bracelet.

We are thrilled to have this in Amsterdam and in full glory, with a period correct Jubilee bracelet; matching the strong condition of the case. A well-preserved and frequently covered collectors item one might kill for.