ROLEX | DAY-DATE, REF 1803YELLOW GOLD WRISTWATCH WITH DAY, DATE, BRACELET AND RARE LINEAR GEOMETRIC ENGRAVED DIALCIRCA 1963

Dial: champagne engraved dial Calibre: cal. 1555 automatic, 25 jewels Case: 18k yellow gold, screw-down back Case number: 988'897 Closure: 18k yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet and folding clasp Dimensions: 36 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 190 mm Signed: case, dial and movement  Accessories: none

MVT: is running at the time of cataloguing and the day and date advancing. CASE: in very good condition with nice proportions and some metal brushed finishing still visible on the lugs and on the back of the case alongside a still fairly crisp hallmark. There are surface marks visible including a small ding on the lower right lug. Furthermore there is oxidation present mainly visible on the back of the case. The inside case back is stamped 1803 and there are very minor signs of corrosion to the middle case. The bracelet with noticeable stretching and some surface wear. The clasp stamped 4-63. DIAL: in very good condition uniform lume dots that react strong to UV light and fade right after exposure. There are a few very minor surface marks visible when closely examining the dial. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The Day-Date was first released in the mid 1950’s. It was the first wristwatch to showcase the date and days of the week by two apertures on the dial. This amazing gold example, reference 1803 was manufactured in 1963 and is fitted with its original gold Jubilee bracelet stamped for the 4^th quarter of the same year. What further enhances this Day-Date is the incredible dial. Its futuristic geometric decoration illustrates the creative genius at Rolex. The faceted baton numerals applied to the dial lift its appearance giving the watch a certain 3-d effect. Seldom do such examples come to market and the present watch is offered in very honest and original condition.