Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1969 Reference No: 1802 Movement No: DD'517'044 Case No: 2’350’174, inside caseback stamped 1803 Model Name: Day-Date Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal 1556, 26 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, maximum overall length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster deployant clasp Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.
Catalogue Essay
“Stella” dial Day-Dates are regarded by many collectors as some of the rarest and most sought after versions of Rolexs Day-Date model. Translucent yet vibrant, “Stella" dials offer so much exclusivity to the wearer, as no lacquer dials are exactly the same in appearance. Rolex offered “Stella” Day-Dates with a range of dial colors, from yellow to mint green.
The present Day-Date, an uncommon reference 1802 fitted with a coveted smooth bezel, features a rich and glossy burgundy (also referred to as "oxblood") "Stella" dial, which contrasts vibrantly against the slightly patinated yellow gold case. Despite being over fifty years of age, the dial still retains its highly glossy finish, just as if it left the factory yesterday. The dial is preserved in outstanding condition, with all luminous dots still intact. The case is similarly well-preserved, and still retains strong hallmarks on the underside of the lug.
While “Stella” dials are no longer available in modern Day-Dates, this rare vintage 1802 is an exciting opportunity to own a stunning example of one of Rolex’s most prestigious models.
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.