The 1803 quest continues

[NukeMan]

Reading up a bit on 1803's I must admit that I am increasingly starting to like the model more and more. Though reading up I humbly admit that I am still very much a novice, and as such I hereby seek the advice from the experts within this great forum.

I've found the watch below that I think looks cool, but i am concerned about the red dial. Is this original to the watch, and if so is the red dial 1803 rare as I havent managed to see many others though searching around quite a bit? Any other opinions on the watch?

Pic 1

[NukeMan]

Pic 2

[crowncollection]

not original imho stella 1803 dial did not have this design

[bluemartinifan]

In US dollars a Stella dial 1803 is approximately 15,000 and a non-Stella 1803 is approximately 5000, big difference.
I always liked the 1803 dials with red numerals at the 15, 30, 45 and 60 marks.

[omitohud]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

not original imho stella 1803 dial did not have this design

Agree. It looks more like 18038 dial. It looks like a refinished or aftermarket dial. The most common is oxblood. The red ones r very rare. I would assume for 1803 it should have a piepan dial. Better pics would help.


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[dexvd]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

not original imho stella 1803 dial did not have this design

What is the difference between stella and non-stella? Didn't see an explanation in the acronym and abbreviation thread.

[adam78]

A stella dial is a true enamel dial, with printing slightly raised over the surface of the dial. These came in a variety of colors, but genuine ones are rare.

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by dexvd

What is the difference between stella and non-stella? Didn't see an explanation in the acronym and abbreviation thread.

Thick lacquer = stella

[NukeMan]

also looking at the price they request (app 6 000 EUR) I seriously doubt it is a Stella dial based on your input. The watch is indeed listed as a 1803. I'll skip it.

Another watch I've had my eyes on is the one below (an 1803 from 1967) but also here the dial puzzles me. Any comments? Thanks guys!

[omitohud]

Originally Posted by NukeMan

also looking at the price they request (app 6 000 EUR) I seriously doubt it is a Stella dial based on your input. The watch is indeed listed as a 1803. I'll skip it.

Another watch I've had my eyes on is the one below (an 1803 from 1967) but also here the dial puzzles me. Any comments? Thanks guys!

Need better pictures but it looks like a silver piepan dial to me. The case has been polished but not too bad. It all depends on the price.


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[NukeMan]

Pic 2

[crowncollection]

Grey slate I think the light plays with the pic

[recherche]

Genuine examples with the "Stella" lacquered dial are not difficult to find provided one is willing to pay a premium for them. They come up for auction every now and then. One advantage of offline watch auctions is that the watches are authenticated and you can carefully view and inspect in person before deciding to take part in the auction.

This is one example going under the hammer tomorrow in Hong Kong:
http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lo...t=ROLEX&page=1

Granted there was much more supply several years ago now that they are gaining in popularity.

I have one myself and am now considering sending it to the Rolex Service Center direct in Geneva for service.

I was told by RSC that if I send my watch in for service and an Overhaul they would only replace what is necessary. I did ask whether they would use the same dial – my concerns being that if any parts are replaced (especially the dial), that they are produced in the same manner when the watch original left the factory some 30 years ago or so. Has anyone else serviced a watch with a Genuine Stella dial, and had the dial replaced? If so, how was the result? I was told that if any parts are replaced – identical new parts will be used and if the parts needed are no longer available, they can be produced and that is why restoration costs would be higher.