Rolex Day-Date 1803 'Lilac Stella'

This Rolex Day-Date reference 1803, born in 1976, is far more than just an exceptionally rare timepiece. It marks a defining moment in the story of Collectors Gallery Dubai: it was one of the first deals ever closed under our name.

A few years ago, shortly after opening our doors, we had the privilege of sourcing this very watch for a dear friend and early supporter of our gallery. A collector with a profound appreciation for the bold, expressive language of vintage Day-Dates, he immediately recognised the significance of the piece in terms of its rarity and its place in the broader story of the Day-Date.

Purple Rose
The Stella dials created by Rolex in the 1970s were anything but ordinary. Produced in vivid, glossy lacquered finishes and offered in limited numbers for specific markets, they injected colour and character into Rolex’s otherwise pragmatic design language. Among them, Lilac sits in a league of its own: a dream-like tone between soft lavender and baby pink, exuding flamboyance and pure eccentricity.

This exact piece was dubbed the “Purple Rose” in Pucci Papaleo’s celebrated Day-Date book. His book shows the allure of Rolex' flagship model and this 1803 being exemplary. In 2015, it took centre stage as a top-lot in Phillips’ ‘Glamorous Day-Date’ auction, cementing its place in the collector canon. Its profile only grew from there. In 2020, Revolution Magazine dedicated a feature to Stella dials with this Lilac example leading the charge. A year later, it was once again honoured, appearing in A Collected Man’s definitive article on Stella dials, serving as the headline image. On these occasions it is pictured with an aftermarket-finished bracelet. However, it is a clear testament to the esteem this very watch holds among the most discerning collectors. 

Condition
The watch remains in remarkable condition. The 18k yellow gold case is sharp, with strong lugs and a crisp fluted bezel. It is fitted to a period correct original yellow gold Jubilee bracelet, which retains excellent tension and presence on the wrist. The glossy Lilac lacquer dial is flawless, with rich, even colour and beautiful depth. It's easily one of the most visually striking dials we’ve seen from the Stella family. The only minor note is a small tear in the luminous material at the 1 o’clock hour marker, a subtle imperfection that does little to distract from the overall integrity of the piece.

This is not just a rare Day-Date. It’s an icon, a piece of history, and a part of our own gallery’s foundation.