Rolex Day-Date 1803 'Blue Stella & Asprey'

Some watches carry stories that travel across continents, through royal courts, and into the hands of true collectors. This is one of those watches.

We are proud to offer a rare Rolex Day-Date reference 1803 from 1978, crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and fitted with a breathtaking Blue Stella dial. Few dials captivate the eye like this one, a color so vivid it almost seems to glow. The shade sits perfectly between sky blue and ocean turquoise, shimmering with a rich depth. 

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Asprey Signed Case & Arabic Calendar: A Royal Connection

The watch’s case back is stamped with the ‘Asprey’ signature, an elite hallmark that speaks to a very specific piece of Rolex history. Rolex and Asprey of London had a well-documented relationship, particularly in the 1970s, when Asprey served as the official supplier of luxury goods to royal families in the Middle East, including the Sultanate of Oman.

Asprey acted as the intermediary for special-order Rolex watches, often commissioning Rolex watches with Arabic calendars, unique dial configurations, and sometimes national emblems. This watch, fitted with Arabic day and date discs and signed by Asprey, strongly suggests that it was a private commission destined for Oman or a royal gift connected to the Sultan himself.

Inside the case back, the serial number is hand-stamped and repeated—a detail typically reserved for special-order Rolex watches supplied through Asprey. This additional signature provides further evidence of the watch’s bespoke nature and links it to a very exclusive lineage of Rolex production.

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Condition

The dial is in immaculate condition: free from cracks, hairlines, or the common flaws typically seen on Stella dials of this age. It has survived in a near-perfect state, preserving its glossy lacquer surface and crisp printing. The perfect lume plots and lume in the hands have developed a warm, even patina that complements the richness of the yellow gold case and the vivid turquoise dial.

The case is thick and shows minimal sings of wear. The lugs are crisp and well-preserved with strong edges and well-defined finishing. The fluted bezel is sharp, and the original vintage President bracelet with folding clasp shows minimal stretch. It shows some minor signs of wear on the clasp. This Day-Date remains in collector-grade condition throughout.

Found here in the Middle East, this watch is a perfect fit within the Collectors Gallery, where rarity, heritage, and exceptional taste converge. Now offered for sale and ready to find a new owner who will appreciate its story as much as we do.