THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 1803
YEAR: 1972
CASE DIAMETER: 36mm
CASE MATERIAL: 18K YELLOW GOLD
BRACELET MATERIAL: 18K YELLOW GOLD
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

Owning a vintage Day-Date is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s one of the most joyful experiences: a perfectly balanced design that has barely changed in the last 60–70 years, with a superbly slim profile and warm shades of old precious metal. On the flip side, it makes you wonder whether you ever need another watch.

The reference 1803 here was produced in 1972 and sold a year later, in 1973, at Watches of Switzerland on Bond Street (with a generous 15% discount…). Looking at the watch today, you wouldn’t be able to tell that it’s over 50 years old.