Day-Date “Cigarette Hands”

It’s been a while since we found a great example of a 1960’s Day-Date with so-called ‘Cigarette Hands’. This nickname was made up by collectors back in the 1980’s, and refers to the gold hour and minute hand which have a different shape then what we’re used to seeing with these four digit Day-Date’s. Instead of a smokers cigarette, the nickname here refers to cigarette speed boats, also known as go-fast boats. These go-fast boats have a design which shows a long narrow platform and a sharp planing hull, exactly like the shape of the hands on this Day-Date (specifically the shorter minute hand) – This rare feature adds interesting character to an already beautiful and very collectible vintage Rolex watch.

Apart from the cigarette hands, this Day-date also features a gorgeous silver dial with a stunning grainy Sunburst finish, on the dial there are two Doorstop markers on the 6 and 9 position, with the remaining indices showing a narrow tapered design – This also radiates a more unique appearance when compared to most 1803 Day-Date watches which feature so-called stick indices. The date and surely romantic, Spanish day-disc are both the original ones with that wonderful 1960’s font and open 6’s and 9’s on the numerals. Also, notice the Tritium inside the ‘Cigarette’ minute and hour hand, this shows a nice gradient going from anthracite-grey to dark vanilla – a small detail, but it’s those little details that really gets me going. The overall watch is in a sharp and clean condition with a thick 18k solid gold case with strong and sharp lugs all around. She’s worn on our Jet Black, Grained leather strap and closes around your wrist via a plated vintage Rolex pin buckle. In short, a very unique Day-Date which will make a great addition to any collection.

As always, this 1803 Day-Date ‘Cigarette Hands’ was fully serviced by our watchmakers and will be sold with our 24 month warranty.

reference: 1803
case number: 101XXXX
year of production: 1964
case diameter: 36mm
movement: automatic, Rolex caliber 1556
box and papers: no

Sold