A walk with the President: Rolex President 1803

Rolex Day-Date 1803

I was scratching my head what to write on my 200th post...... Suddenly, this watch came into my mind..... Whatelse better than a watch that is fitted for the Presidents of United States???

The Rolex Day-Date was patented on 23rd July 1955 and officially released in 1956. The Day Date earned the nickname the "President" when Rolex reportedly gave one to the then 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Since then, the Rolex President has been found on the wrists of prominent celebrities and dignitaries worldwide. Several other U.S. presidents are known to wear the Day-Date: Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan. Below is a very powerful advertisement for the Rolex President:

The Rolex Day-Date is arguably the most sought after, and perhaps the most recognizable models that Rolex makes. It is without a doubt a feast for the eyes and is considered the flagship model Rolex has to offer; the ultimate status symbol. 

A truly classic timepiece from the start, the first model of Day-Date (6511) lasted just over a year before it was replaced by the externally identical 6611. This model featured the new caliber 1055 movement with its free sprung Micro-Stella balance and was the first to be labeled "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" on the dial. In 1959 caliber 1055 was replaced with caliber 1555 in model 1803 (18,000bph) and later in year 1965 - model 1803 received caliber 1556 (19,800bph). In 1977 caliber 3055 (quick-set) was introduced in model 18038 and in 1988 caliber 3155 (double quick-set) was introduced in model 18238.

Cosmetically, the Day-Date has changed very little since it was introduced in 1956. The Oyster case of the early Day-Date is water resistant to 50 meters, more modern version can withstand water pressure up to 10 ATM. The Day-Date was available only in white gold, yellow gold, pink gold and platinum. This makes the watch quite expensive and truly a luxury item. I think the 1803 is only available in yellow gold, rose gold and white gold. It is also available in  a variety of models, dials and bracelets styles. I remembered during my childhood and early teenage years that Rolex Day-Date 1803 could be sold bracelet and movement with case separately. One could buy the case and movement first and decide later whether to accompany that with a solid gold president bracelet or a leather strap. 

The yellow gold Rolex President with solid gold president style bracelet looks rather impressive due to its obvious mass and weight not to mention the price tag that goes with it. My 1803 looks rather awesome on a leather strap as well. 

Somemore it is fitted with the original Rolex gold buckle. This one sure can leave a lasting impression. 

I often hear friends complaining that Rolex and Day-Date are for elderly and middle age people. They would stated that the designs are so old fashion. Some may even see gold and diamond watches as tacky and vulgar....... Well, you have every rights to think or express yourselves.... 

As for me, there is no other watch that exudes class, sophistication, and success like a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date President. Once you wear your President Rolex, you will be amazed at how inspirational you become. In Chinese saying is "一錶在手，江山我有!"

Revised 22.02.2018