Rolex
Rolex Day-Date "Vintage White Gold Blue Dial"
36mm · Automatic · 1971
The reference 1803 is the definitive vintage execution of Rolex’s flagship "Presidential" model line. While the vast majority left the factory in yellow gold, this example is forged from rare solid 18k white gold. It features a classic fluted bezel and an architectural "pie-pan" stepped dial in a highly coveted matte royal blue finish. The watch head is paired with a dark burgundy-brown leather dress strap utilizing an aftermarket gold-plated tang buckle.
Specifications
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Box and papers. Where a piece includes them, the listing says so. If they are not mentioned, please assume they are not supplied — ask us and we will confirm exactly what accompanies this watch.
Winding & servicing
- An automatic movement winds itself through the motion of your wrist. Worn daily, it will keep running; left idle it will stop after roughly 40–48 hours and simply needs a gentle shake or 20–30 manual turns of the crown to restart.
- A watch winder is optional. If you use one, choose a low rotation setting — continuous high-speed winding adds needless wear.
- Plan a full service every 5–7 years. A movement that is losing or gaining more than a few seconds a day, or that sounds gritty when wound, should be seen sooner.
Daily wear
- Avoid operating the crown or pushers while the watch is wet, and always ensure the crown is fully pushed in (or screwed down) before contact with water.
- Remove the piece before swimming in chlorinated or salt water, using a sauna or hot tub, and before contact sport or manual work. Sudden temperature change and impact are the two things a fine movement tolerates least.
- Keep it away from strong magnets — laptop speakers, tablet covers, handbag clasps and induction hobs are the usual culprits. Magnetisation shows up as a watch suddenly running fast, and is easily reversed by a watchmaker.
Cleaning
- Wipe the case and bracelet with a soft, dry microfibre cloth after each wear to lift skin oils and dust before they build up in the joints.
- Keep the leather strap dry. Leather and water are not friends: repeated wetting causes the strap to stiffen, crack and eventually separate at the stitching. A well-worn strap is a consumable — plan on replacing it every 1–2 years of regular wear.
- Gold is a soft metal and will pick up fine hairline marks with wear. This is normal and part of the character of a worn piece; a professional polish can reduce them, but every polish removes a little material, so it is best done sparingly.
- Never use ultrasonic cleaners, solvents, or commercial jewellery dips at home on a watch — they can strip lume, degrade gaskets and damage set stones.
Storage
- Store in a dry place at stable room temperature, away from direct sunlight — prolonged UV fades dials and ages strap leather.
- Keep pieces separated in a lined box or soft pouch so cases and stones cannot rub against one another. Diamond is hard enough to scratch virtually anything it shares a drawer with.
- Retain the original box, papers and any accessories supplied. They materially affect the value should you ever sell or trade the piece.
Water resistance
- Water resistance is a seal condition, not a permanent specification. Gaskets harden and shrink with age, so a rating stamped on the case back decades ago tells you little about the watch today.
- Have the case pressure-tested annually, and always after the case back has been opened for any reason.
- Vintage pieces should be treated as not water resistant regardless of their original rating.
