Day-Date 36 (Vintage 4-Digit)

Rolex Day-Date 36 1804

Vintage President, smooth/bark bezel variants, yellow gold

  • 36mm
  • Solid 18k gold
  • Cal. 1555/1556 (no quickset)
  • 1959 to 1977
  • Men's
The Rolex Day-Date 36 (Vintage 4-Digit), reference 1804. Produced 1959 to 1977. The reference breaks down as: 1800-series solid-gold Day-Date 36. The 4 suffix denotes an alternate bezel or finishing variant within the 4-digit run; confirm exact configuration against period documentation. Below are the full specifications, plus what each part of the reference number means. If you own this reference and want to know what it is worth today, we buy it outright and appraisals are complimentary.

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Full specifications

Case

Case size36mm
Case materialSolid 18k gold
Lug width20mm
CrystalAcrylic with Cyclops
Water resistance100m

Bezel

Bezel typeDiamond / gem-set
Bezel material18k yellow gold set with diamonds

Dial

Dial variantsVarious original dials; always solid gold; day at 12, date at 3

Band

Bracelet typePresident
BraceletPresident bracelet
ClaspConcealed folding clasp

Movement

MovementCal. 1555/1556 (no quickset)
Caliber1555/1556
Jewels26
FunctionsHours, minutes, seconds, day (spelled out at 12), date at 3 with Cyclops

Reference

Wears asMen's
Produced1959 to 1977

What reference 1804 means

1800-series solid-gold Day-Date 36. The 4 suffix denotes an alternate bezel or finishing variant within the 4-digit run
confirm exact configuration against period documentation.

How the 1804 compares

Side by side with the other Rolex Day-Date 36 references we document. Only the specs that actually differ are listed.

1804 vs 118138

Spec1804 118138
Jewels 26 31
Produced 1959 to 1977 2000 to 2019

1804 vs 118205

Spec1804 118205
Jewels 26 31
Produced 1959 to 1977 2000 to 2015

1804 vs 118206

Spec1804 118206
Jewels 26 31
Produced 1959 to 1977 2000 to 2019

Common questions about the Rolex Day-Date 36 1804

How big is the Rolex Day-Date 36 1804?

The case measures 36mm across, with a 20mm lug width. Case material: Solid 18k gold. Case size alone is a poor guide to how a watch wears; lug-to-lug length and how the bracelet drops off the case matter more, which is why we suggest trying one on before you commit.

What movement is in the 1804?

Cal. 1555/1556 (no quickset). The movement uses 26 jewels.

Is the 1804 water resistant?

It is rated to 100 meters, about 328 feet. That is enough for swimming and snorkeling, but not for scuba diving. One caution that applies to every watch on this page: a water resistance figure describes a new watch with fresh gaskets. On a piece that is years past its last service, treat the rating as unknown until it has been pressure tested.

When was the Rolex Day-Date 36 1804 made?

Rolex produced this reference from 1959 to 1977. Production years matter when you are valuing one, because dial, bezel and bracelet details often changed inside a single reference run.

What does the reference number 1804 mean?

1800-series solid-gold Day-Date 36. The 4 suffix denotes an alternate bezel or finishing variant within the 4-digit run; confirm exact configuration against period documentation.. Reading the reference is the fastest way to confirm that a watch is what the seller says it is, before you get anywhere near the movement.

Does the 1804 have a nickname?

Vintage President, smooth/bark bezel variants, yellow gold. Collector nicknames are not official Rolex names, but they are what people actually search for and what they are called across a showroom.

Does San Diego Jewelry Buyers buy the Rolex Day-Date 36 1804?

Yes. We buy this reference outright, and we lend against it if you would rather keep it. We are a family-owned San Diego buyer established in 2006, our appraisers are GIA-trained, and the appraisal is complimentary with no obligation to sell. You can bring it to our Gaslamp showroom at 907 Sixth Ave or start online. If you are looking to buy this reference instead, tell us and we will let you know when one comes in.

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Own a Day-Date 36 (Vintage 4-Digit) 1804?

We buy this reference outright, and we lend against it. Bring it to our Gaslamp showroom or start online. Appraisals are complimentary and there is no obligation to sell.

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