Language can be needlessly confusing, even in the world of watches. Arabic numerals on a Rolex dial? Usually not that exotic since they refer to the ‘Western’ numerals we use on a day-to-day basis. Eastern Arabic numerals, on the other hand, are the actual numerals used in the Arabic language and exceedingly rare when found on a Rolex dial! Rolex Day-Dates produced for the Arab market are some of the most unusual and coveted ones you can find. They were only produced in very low numbers, mostly for precious metal Day-Dates, in the 1950s until the 1970s. This lovely design feature was resumed only a few years ago when Rolex released a limited number of 40 mm platinum Day-Dates that were sold exclusively by selected Middle-Eastern retailers. This amazing ref. 1803 from 1962 is like a time capsule from a bygone era. The 36 mm 18k rose gold case with fluted bezel comes with the original 18k rose gold riveted Oyster bracelet with the date stamp “63”! The rare and flawless Swiss-only champagne dial features thick applied 18k rose gold Eastern Arabic numerals and, of course, matching Arabic day and date discs. As with any true 1960s Day-Date, the watch sports elegant 18k rose gold alpha hands. This ref. 1803 is in excellent condition with a thick case and a tight period-correct bracelet.
- extrasEastern Arabic Numerals
- year1962
- reference1803
- modelDay-Date
