Notes: Some collectors may argue that no Rolex collection is complete without the addition of a vintage yellow gold President Day-Date. An important piece of Rolex history, the Day-Date debuted in 1956 and was the first men's dress watch to offer both a day and date display on its dial. The Day-Date has also been associated from day one with opulence and class, making it the first choice among powerful and influential men all over the world.

The 1803 appears usually (always?) in 18K yellow gold with index hour marks and a fluted bezel. The dial color can be white, yellow, gray, mother-of-pearl and likely others. It also can come with diamonds on the case and dial.

Mechanism: The Cal. 3055 released in 1977, it formed part of the 3000 series of movements that ushered in the high beat frequency era, giving the emblematic flowing seconds hand of all latter day Rolexes. It was the fifth generation Rolex Day-Date movement The Cal. 3055 brought many changes for both the day and the date functions but, as a single Quickset movement, only the date could be adjusted with the crown An unusual aspect of the Cal. 3055 is, unlike the vast majority of Rolex’s engines, it was only ever used in one model of watch. This was the 1977 edition of the 18038 Day-Date.

Family Notes: The Rolex Day-Date was introduced in 1956. It soon became known as the "Rolex President". It was unofficially renamed after President Eisenhower became associated with this model watch. This association was made as the watch was known to have been worn by LBJ and shared a scandalous connection to JFK. Since then it has earned the vote of a diverse array of potentates, including Warren Buffett, Jay Z, and (fictional character) Tony Soprano. In 1977, Rolex started using the new (at the time) 3055 movement for the Day-Date/President line. As of 2018, the Day-Date 40 uses the 3255 movement.