Vintage
In a recent WatchProSite forum post, @that911fan sparked a lively discussion by contemplating a significant aesthetic modification to his vintage Rolex 1803 White Gold Day-Date. He explored the idea of polishing its brushed lugs to match the high-polished finish of modern Day-Date and Datejust models. His inquiry delves into the practicalities of maintenance and the evolving design philosophy of Rolex, prompting collectors to weigh in on originality versus contemporary appeal.
The Day-Date reference 1803 is a notable example from the model line, distinguished by its fluted bezel and the introduction of a quickset date function in later iterations of the broader Day-Date family, though not present on all 1803 examples. This reference is part of the generation that solidified the Day-Date's position as a premier offering, available in various precious metals and dial configurations. It represents a period of refinement for the model, preceding the five-digit references.
This particular reference 1803 features a 36 mm case, typically crafted from 18k white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold, or platinum. It houses the automatic caliber 1570, a movement known for its reliability and a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The watch is fitted with an acrylic crystal and offers a water resistance of 30 meters. The case design includes brushed lugs, a characteristic of vintage examples.
For collectors, the 1803 is valued for its classic proportions and the range of dial variations available, including pie-pan dials and various hour marker styles. Its production span places it firmly within the vintage collecting sphere, appealing to those who appreciate the aesthetic and mechanical characteristics of watches from the late 1960s and 1970s. The choice of precious metal and dial condition are key factors in its collectibility.
but simply noooooooooooooooooooooo - don´t I repeat - DO NOT polish the lugs unless you want to destroy the beautiful brushed finish on your watch. The brushing of the upper portion of the lugs is what makes this vintage DDs look so much more refinded and "complex" compared to the "bar of soap" look of the modern ones. Not to bash the modern DayDates but they look so uniform and too blingy compared to the vintage versions, so please do yourself a favour and DO NOT polish the lugs! Sell it and bu
I see all your points. I will just keep as is then, to retain the originality of the look. I kinda do like the blingy look of the new ones so maybe I’ll just have to get a new one too. 😆
..the lugs are brushed so that the diamonds stand out more. Don't polish...
Back then for all their watches at that time. They updated to high polish on the newer ones, and I think that was to give it a more bling factor as well as it being easier to service (as it’s easier to just high polish out hairline scratches than to try to get the brushed grain correct). But yes, probably good to leave as is on my watch to keep it original. 👍
And under no circumstances would I polish the lugs on your President. But at the end of the day it’s your watch. It’s a beauty, enjoy it!
Cause I was seriously considering just polishing them out. Now realize that it’s best to just keep original.
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