Rolex Day-Date 'Linen'

Why We Love It

Not all Day-Dates are created equal.

That is to say, many of the reference 1803s were tragically over polished and their dials subjected to shoddy refinishing. Not only does this result in significantly lower values, it also chips away at the original character and design of the watch. Fortunately, we have a superb example with a strong case and a remarkable 'Linen' dial. 

The luminous pie-pan 'sigma' dial features  subtle yet elegant linen texture. If you have not seen one in-person, we strongly encourage you to do so. Warmly patinated tritium luminous elements punctuate the dial and handset. Dating to 1969, this Day-Date nothing short of a gem.

When only a gold watch will do - meeting with heads of state or the heads of the Five Families, for example - a Day-Date is always the right choice.

The Story

When you’ve got a good thing going, sometimes you just know. Such is the case with the Rolex Day-Date. At the time of the Day-Date’s release in 1956, it was Rolex’s only complicated wristwatch: all previous attempts had failed to resonate with consumers.

But as soon as Rolex secured the patent in July of 1955, production of the Day-Date was rushed for a debut at the Basel Fair the following spring.

Although early Day-Dates were plagued by technical problems resulting from the complexity of the automatic movement, those were soon resolved. After President Eisenhower sported one (a gift from the manufacture), its success was secured. The model would be tweaked and improved throughout the 1950s and on into the 60s, which ultimately leads to the later version of the model, the Reference 18XXX from the mid 1980s.

For a watch known as the “President,” (due to the fact that several U.S. presidents have worn one), it certainly lives up to its dignified nickname. In warm yellow gold, it resonates with style. Elegant and sophisticated, it remains a classic worthy of its reputation.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.