Rolex Day-Date 36 Full Rose Gold Ultra Rare Tropical Dial Arabic Disks 1973 (Unpolished/Serviced)

Rolex Day-Date 1803 Rose Gold “Arabic Tropical” Dial – 1973

The Rolex Day-Date, introduced in 1956, quickly became the brand’s flagship model, known for being the first wristwatch to display both the date and the day of the week spelled out in full. Often referred to as the “President,” it has long been associated with leaders, celebrities, and collectors seeking refined functionality with strong aesthetic presence.

This specific reference, the Day-Date 1803 in solid rose gold, dates to the early 1970s and is distinguished by a rare combination of features: a tropical doorstop dial, Arabic day and date discs, and its original unpolished case. Arabic calendar variants were produced in limited numbers for Middle Eastern markets, making them among the most sought-after Day-Date configurations today. The presence of both original tritium luminous material and the full rose gold bracelet further elevates this model’s collectibility.

Key Details To Consider

An exceptionally rare and highly collectible example, this Rolex Day-Date ref. 1803 is crafted in full 18k rose gold and remains in completely original, unpolished condition. It retains all its factory lines and shows natural wear and oxidation throughout, particularly between the bracelet links—a true sign of authenticity and age.

The standout feature is its tropical black-to-brown “doorstop” dial, which has aged beautifully over time. All tritium plots remain intact and match the original tritium hands. What sets this piece apart is the presence of Arabic day and date discs, an ultra-rare configuration originally produced for the Middle Eastern market.

The original rose gold President bracelet includes all links and exhibits minimal stretch, very uncommon for a watch of this vintage. All serial and reference numbers between the lugs remain fully legible. The watch is powered by its original movement, which was professionally serviced in April 2025 and successfully pressure tested to 3ATM (30m).

Accompanied by its original Day-Date leather presentation box, this 1803 is a standout offering—highly desirable for collectors seeking originality, rarity, and regional significance in one piece.

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