Rolex Day-Date President 1805

The Rolex Day-Date reference 1805 is an exceptionally rare and enigmatic model within the 18xx series, produced in very small numbers from the 1960s through the late 1970s. Unlike its siblings with clearly defined bezels (fluted, smooth, bark), the 1805 reference appears to have been used for various uncommon, decorative bezel styles, making it a catch-all for special, non-standard finishes. The most noted version features a unique “piranha” bezel, which has sharp, pyramid-like textures within the valleys of the fluting, creating a complex, serrated look. Other examples have been identified with a hand-hammered texture known as a “Morellis” or “Florentine” finish. The historical significance of the 1805 lies in its extreme rarity and its role as a showcase for Rolex’s most artistic and bespoke case finishing. These were often special-order pieces for elite clients, representing a level of exclusivity beyond the standard catalog. Variations were primarily defined by these unique bezel executions and were available in 18k yellow and, even more rarely, pink gold. Dials were consistent with the “pie-pan” style of the era. Mechanically, the 1805 aligns with its contemporaries, initially housing the Rolex Caliber 1555 and later transitioning to the higher-beat Rolex Caliber 1556 around 1965, with a hacking feature added in 1972. The 1805 is considered a “lost reference” by many collectors, with examples surfacing so infrequently that each one provides a new glimpse into Rolex’s special-order history.