Phillips is honored to present the cherished wristwatch of the greatest champion in the history of professional golf, Jack Nicklaus – also known as the Golden Bear. The Day‐Date is Rolex’s most prestigious model and one of the world’s most famous watches. Originally launched in 1956, the Day‐Date, with its famous “President” bracelet, was the first wristwatch to feature a date and fully spelled‐out day of the week indication on its dial. The sporty elegance of the Day‐ Date is appealing to a variety of consumers around the world, due to its versatility, robustness, and elegance, enduring for over six decades as one of the most popular and sought after Rolex models. In 18-karat yellow gold and fitted with a stunning and extremely rare champagne‐ colored “pie‐pan”‐style dial, with tapered and faceted baton hour- markers —reminiscent of golf tees.



This Rolex Day‐Date Reference 1803 in yellow gold has graced the wrist of Mr. Nicklaus nearly every day since he received it as a gift from Rolex in 1967 and would truly become one of his faithful companions over the course of his illustrious career. The watch was present when he won 12 of his record 18 professional major championship titles — often photographed when Jack Nicklaus hoisted the championship trophy following his victories. This particular Rolex’s history is one of the rare instances where a singular timepiece has been photographed repeatedly, in this case over a span of five decades, on the wrist of an athlete or celebrity.



The story of this important Rolex begins in the late 1960s. While attending the Canada Cup in Tokyo in 1966, Mr. Nicklaus was offered a watch of his choice during a Rolex cocktail event that he attended with golf icons Gary Player and Arnold Palmer. Mr. Player, who was sponsored by Rolex at the time, recommended that Mr. Nicklaus choose the gold Day‐Date on display. Having never previously owned a watch, Mr. Nicklaus decided to take his friend’s advice. Mr. Nicklaus received his golden Rolex Reference 1803 — aptly matching his famous moniker, Golden Bear — the following year in 1967, the same year he won his second U.S. Open and set the U.S. Open scoring record. Although he eventually acquired a number of watches throughout his lifetime, Mr. Nicklaus has revealed that this Rolex is the very first watch he owned, and a wristwatch that he wore daily, barely ever leaving his wrist for over 50 years.



Phillips is especially proud to announce that 100% of the present lot’s proceeds will directly benefit the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and its ongoing efforts to provide the best care to children in need around the world. With its superb provenance combined with Mr. Nicklaus’ iconic athletic status, the present lot is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to obtain one of the most widely viewed and most important Rolex wristwatches from one of the greatest athletes and champions of all time. Phillips is honored to assist with the Foundation’s philanthropic efforts and further extend the legacy of The Golden Bear.





Buyers may claim a charitable contribution deduction for the hammer price, but such deduction will be limited to the excess of the hammer price paid for the lot over its fair market value. In accordance with applicable IRS regulations, Phillips will provide a good faith estimate of the fair market value of the lot upon request from the buyer. Phillips assumes no liability of any kind or nature whatsoever in regards to the services of the IRS, any values issued by the IRS, nor for any delays by the IRS in issuing any such values.

By making a request to Phillips for the fair market value, the buyer expressly waives any and all claims of any nature against Phillips in this regard.

Bidders are advised to consult with their own tax advisors to determine the application of the tax law to their own specific circumstances and whether a charitable contribution deduction is available.

