I do have a somehow soft spot for vintage rolexes (way more than new ones - probably due to the type of "wearer") ...

and one model that always caught my attention was the 1803 ... possibly due to the fact that it once was - in a certain way - the creme-de-la-creme of watches and now is quite affordable ...

I guess the fact that YG has fallen out of favor probably helps to keep the premium (vs. steel watches) rather low ...

one drawback (at least for me personally) is the non quick-set feature for both the day and date - I rotate my watches regularly and do not wear them longer than 1-2 days - so this is a hassle ...

on the other hand, 36mm is pretty much the sweetspot for any vintage watch - so that is a nice "no-nonsense" size.

what are your thoughts on the 1803 from a vintage/collector's pov?

 

To the best of my knowledge, this watch is just called the Day Date. It is the bracelet meant to fit it that is called the "President". Just like watches meant to have the "Jubilee" bracelet are not called the Jubilee model! Small point I know.

 

I like these, and agree with you that they can be found for a good price today. For me they are attractive in size and appearance, but the non-quickset movement stays my hand.

The hands on the example you show are replacements I think.

 

For me it hits the sweet spot.
Interesting complications since full day names are not that common.
Nice enough for formal occasion, office, and many casual activities.

 

Personally I like them, but do miss a steel version. A gold (yellow or white) one with leather strap is in my future. As mentioned, the lack of any quick-set in the pre 1977 calibers makes them a bit of a hassle. Post 1977 or post 1988 would probably be more useful. Although, if I would work a while in Dubai, sporting a lot of yellow gold is probably highly recommended and that would make a pre 1977 a daily wear

 

I own a 1803 with sigma pie pan dial which used to belong to my father. It is an attractive watch, which gain popularity among collectors recently, due to latest day-date Phillips auction.

As for the non quick set date .... I never set up up the day and the date...too much hassle, since like you, I only use 1-2 days in rotation

 

I love my 1962 'Prez head' in 18k WG .... unfortunately my OCD got the better of me, and I seem to have buggered it up setting the day/date ... Looking at @adam78 's helpful guide above, I was probably doing it at one of the 'wrong' times or something... So it will be off to the mothership for fixing once I get back to NYC. Here it is before I put a spanner in the works...

 

I dig those mid 60's Oyster cases. The Day/Date and the Zephyr are two of my favorite dressier Rolexes.

 

I really like how this great WG stays way under the radar (for the regular joe doe) - but you still might get the "nod" from connoceurs ;-)

 

if you like that, you'll love the platinum

 

My thoughts on the Day Date? I thought about it once and as they say it's the thought that counts.

 

Fantastic watch

 

I had the Tudor day date jumbo (38mm) for a while and loved it. 36mm would be too small for me. I sold it after a year or so due to the non-quickset date feature. Even when kept on a winder, if there are not 31 days that month, you spend a lot of time setting it.

 

One problem, Too darn expensive

 

On contrary, since there are so many 1803 out there, which mostly in good condition, you can buy 1803 complete with president gold bracelet for similar price of 1675 GMT Pepsi or far less than 5513 Submariner of similar period and condition.

....but again, expensive is always a relative term.

 

Coincidentally I was looking at the Tudor Day-Date Jumbo (ref 7017) last week too. I remember @Hijak had a black one too.

Missed a blue one on sale here a few months ago. Do they wear like a 38mm should - ie. true to size?

 

It fluctuates with gold prices. Gold when down in price so that means the watch should be cheaper.
Doesn't it?

 

Not necessarily. While gold price down almost half from the peak of 2012, Rolex 1803 price remained stable during that period in my observation. In the other hand steel sporty vintage Rolex price climbed significantly. I believe demand side play higher role in this vintage Rolex price equation, rather than price of the metal base.