Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1969 Reference No: 1802 Movement No: DD'627'195 Case No: 2'350'091 Model Name: Day-Date Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1556, 26 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated December 24, 1970 and presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
Preserved in excellent condition, this attractive reference 1802 features a smooth bezel - the defining feature of this model. Reference 1802 is much rarer compared to its reed-bezeled sibling reference 1803, making the model particularly favored among collectors. It is complemented by a Rolex Oyster bracelet, which is a rarity itself. Among its many other stunning features, it also displays a black lacquer dial that is still incredibly glossy in appearance. All luminous dots appear round and intact, and have aged with warm patina. Lacquer dials are particularly hard to find, and to discover one in such unspoiled condition is a marvel indeed.
Furthermore, the present timepiece is accompanied by its original guarantee and presentation box, adding yet another element of collectibility.
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.