Rolex Day-Date President 1811

The Rolex Day-Date reference 1811 is a rare and distinctive variant of the 18xx series, produced between the 1960s and late 1970s. Its defining characteristic is a unique, hand-finished bezel texture that is different from the common fluted or bark finishes. This intricate pattern, often referred to as a “Morellis” finish, resembles a fine, hand-hammered surface, giving the bezel a subtle, shimmering effect. This reference showcases Rolex’s exploration of artisanal case finishing during a creative period for the brand. The historical significance of the 1811 lies in its rarity and the level of craftsmanship it represents. It was positioned as an exclusive alternative for the discerning buyer who desired a unique texture that was more nuanced than the linear bark finish of the 1807. This model was a testament to the hand-finishing skills within Rolex’s workshops. Variations of the 1811 were primarily offered in 18k yellow and white gold. As with other decorative Day-Dates, the special finish could be applied to the bezel alone or extended to the center links of the President bracelet for a fully integrated look. It was available with the complete selection of “pie-pan” dials of the era. All technical specifications are identical to the mainstream 180x models: it houses the non-quickset day-date complication, starting with the Rolex Caliber 1555 and later upgrading to the Rolex Caliber 1556 around 1965, and it uses the same 36mm Oyster case. The 1811 is a prized reference for collectors who value subtle and rare design details.