Au...

[JoJo35]

This is gold, Mr Bond...

"All my life, I've been in love with its colour,

its brilliance, its divine heaviness..."

Auric Goldfinger

I've finally found a suitable 1803 that matches it's golden brothers, a white dialed OP, and a silver dialed two-tone. That's probably enough Au for now, unless of course if I ever come across a color change golden 1680

[By-Tor]

Very nice.

Can you tell us more about these beauties?

[mastrmindalliance]

Very nice.

Can you tell us more about these beauties?

Ditto that. it's hard to tell how big that DD is... Can you tell us more?

And I'd love to see a writsy of that DD as I'm thinking my next rep buy will be a similar DD2

[freddy333]

With a few notable exceptions, Au is not my thing, but I can appreciate your enthusiasm. Nice find, JoJo.

[JoJo35]

Thanks guys

Each watch is a rarity in its own right, with 1560's in the OP's, and of course a 1556 in the day date. The 1803 is the youngest of the three, although all three watches are in pristine mint condition.

[alligoat]

I see that the 1803 also has your signature underline dial, JJ! Circa 1963???

[JoJo35]

I see that the 1803 also has your signature underline dial, JJ! Circa 1963???

Nice catch alligoat

Yes, I guess you could say that is my "signature" with a number of my pieces. This 1803 happens to be extremely rare; especially in the mint condition it is in. Production year is well into '64, and although later for an underline, this watch is 100% correct. Notice anything else peculiar about the dial?

[Nanuq]

Notice anything else peculiar about the dial?

Ah hah, there it is. Very nice, very subtle. Nice catch, J!

[alligoat]

Just the dash between Oyster and Perpetual.

Pie-pan dial would seem typical for that time frame

[JoJo35]

Just the dash between Oyster and Perpetual.

Pie-pan dial would seem typical for that time frame

Take a closer look at the first picture. You'll see that the print used on the "T"s surrounding the SWISS @ the six o'clock position is different than the SWISS printing (and the T's are not aligned on each side of the SWISS). Evidently, this was the beginning of the T SWISS T dials, or perhaps T SWISS T dials were already being produced when this dial was used up from old stock at the factory and placed into this watch after adding the underline and the T's. Different theories exist regarding the rare underline dials, although IMO this makes the most sense.

[alligoat]

I'll buy that. I had missed the T's, but the 63-64 timeframe is consistent as far as the switch to tritium goes. Reminds me of the 3-6-9 5513 sub dial in Skeet & Urul where the T<25 ended up on both sides of the Swiss at the bottom. Rolex did some unusual things in those days.

[JoJo35]

alligoat:

PS, before I bought this piece, I did a little research. Here's a snapshot of the only other 1803 underline I ever saw, found on VRF:

[alligoat]

Can't tell if it has the T's on either side, but it sure must be about the same timeframe. Cool!

[JoJo35]

Lol, Germany is a long way off!

I was able to catch a glimpse of the T on the right of the swiss, but unfortunately the refraction from the plastic crystal throws it off

[ubiquitous]

Gorgeous trio. I especially like the 1803! Such an understated classic... Great value for the money! And a nice, clean example you've got.

However, I don't envy you when it comes to changing the day and date on that one!

[Dizzy]

very nice! I have never seen an underline 1803!

Are you going to keep it on the leather or source a bracelet?

I had a nice black dial 1603 and i wish i had never sold it.

Congrats on your new beauty!!

[JoJo35]

Gorgeous trio. I especially like the 1803! Such an understated classic... Great value for the money! And a nice, clean example you've got.

However, I don't envy you when it comes to changing the day and date on that one!

Thanks ubi. I'll admit this piece has been on my radar since day one, and I mean that literally. Years ago, before I ever heard of RWG1 (let alone a computer for that matter!), I bought an "automatic" rep day date on 34th St in NYC. Looking back, it was one of the cheapest reps ever, and came long before the rep quality improved to where it is now. However, I was a kid then, and thought the watch I bought was the best!

Times have certainly changed since then, but I never forgot my first rep. Now I have the real thing

very nice! I have never seen an underline 1803!

Are you going to keep it on the leather or source a bracelet?

I had a nice black dial 1603 and i wish i had never sold it.

Congrats on your new beauty!!

Thanks Dizzy! I may keep it on the leather strap and 750 buckle for a while, although I am keeping my eyes open for a 18k rivet.

[ubiquitous]

One thing is for certain! It is a stunner! The balance and contrast with the case and dial is a very elegant combo.

You do have a knack for finding those underlines!