Rolex Day-Date 1802/9 'Diamond Guilloche'

Persuading patterned dial in an awe-inspiring Day-Date configuration.

Every Day-Date that does not instantly look like a Day-Date is special by default. Starting with the case that has a slightly more unusual bezel. Instead of the fluted variant, the 1802 displays a smooth and domed one. The bezel and case are very strong for a specimen over half a century old. Moreover it is executed in the rare white gold alloy. It would be a shame to see such a special watch with an "ordinary" President bracelet. Enter this sought-after Jubilee bracelet in matching metal. The bracelet does not match the year of the watch as it has been added at a later stage. But it compliments the dial extremely well.

After concluding the case and bracelet are uncommon, we take a look at the most important aspect: the dial. Occasionally seasoned Rolex collectors come across these artisanal "pie-pan" dials that feature a guilloche pattern. Finding one of these always sparks enthusiasm and this motif has only been discovered a handful of times and to the best of our knowledge; this is the only one in white metal. This dynamic canvas is a piece of art that is best enjoyed when you play with it in the light. There are no tritium plots on the periphery of the sloped dial, nor does the hands have any luminous material, bringing all the attention -rightfully so- to the surface of the dial. Therefore we also opted for a domed plexi crystal without cyclops.

It does not necessarily come as a surprise that it is very well preserved. Owners of such pieces tend to have large collections so not a lot of "wrist time" is allocated per watch. The previous owner has at least 5 other Day-Dates from this period (with different geometric dials) and we are happy it found our way to Amsterdam from Italy.