1969 Rolex Day Date Ref. 1803 "Taming oil well fires..." Advertisement

1969 Rolex Day Date Ref. 1803 "Taming oil well fires..." Advertisement

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1969 Rolex Day Date Ref. 1803 "Taming oil well fires..." Advertisement

1969 Rolex Day Date Ref. 1803 "Taming oil well fires..." Advertisement

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
31 Reviews
Framing Options
Regular price $145
Regular price Sale price $145
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Page Dimensions

Approx. 8 1/8" x 11 1/2" (20cm x 29cm)

Story and Details

If there is a definitive genre of Rolex advertisements, it's the "If you were… you’d wear a Rolex" series predominately from the late 1960s. 

Strangely compelling headlines in bold Helvetica typeface introduced the reader to men of action; ocean adventurers, race car drivers, mountain climbers, Concorde pilots - even big game hunters - have all been featured. The commonality among these individuals is their Rolex watch with the renowned Oyster case, which could "withstand extremes of heat and cold." 

The main character in this unique, full-color "If you were..." ad is Red Adair, who would be more troubled by the former than the latter. In a career spanning decades he would wear a seemingly odd choice considering his line of work... a gold Day Date similar to the Ref. 1803 featured, whilst fighting Black Gold - extinguishing more than 2,000 oil well fires. He became famous in 1962 for putting out the "Devil’s Cigarette Lighter" in the Sahara - the nickname given to a 450-foot flame that burned for months. This incredible blaze, and Red Adair, would be featured in Rolex ads published in the 1970s and 1980s.

Back to this ad... As perfect a name as the "Devil's Cigarette Lighter" is for the inferno Red Adair battled, is the choice of printing this particular ad in color. The intensity of the environments Red and his team faced is captured through the amber and orange of the flames, especially against the signature black background of these ads. Merely looking at the illustration makes the brow bead with sweat - the heat and exhaustion perfectly conveyed.

Also, a gold watch is just more-enticing when shown in color. I know whenever I see the classic yellow gold Date Date with a champagne dial and "President" bracelet, I want one. It's arguably the most well-known Rolex that stands for the brand. 


Pre-owned original magazine advertisement. Image shown is exactly the ad that you'll be receiving.

Framing is handcrafted in Chicago, IL, using acid-free materials for art preservation. The UV-protected, anti-reflective glass ensures optimal viewing. Frames are solid wood featuring a wire for easy hanging and felt pads for wall protection.

Free Shipping for all continental US orders.

Unframed orders ship by the next business day. You’ll receive an email with tracking info!

Framing is custom. Please allow me up to 2 weeks to finish your framing project. Before I start, I’ll email you to confirm the design and provide an estimated completion and shipping date.

Returns are accepted for unframed ads, if they are in new condition as you received it, within 30 days of purchase.

As all of my ads are highly curated, individually custom framed, and personalized, all sales for framed ads are final.

Learn more about our Return Policy.

Please contact me if you need additional photos or have any questions!

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All advertisements and images are original – directly from magazines and other types of publications. These are vintage, pre-owned, original pages, so the paper quality and condition varies... I try to show accurate photos of the exact ad/image you'll be receiving.

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framing

Framing is custom-designed and done by hand in Chicago, IL. Acid-free materials are used to preserve your art. Glass offers UV-protection and is anti-reflective for best viewing. Frames are solid wood with wire on back for easy hanging and felt pads to protect wall. 

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I love my business and what I do!
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or special requests... About pricing, condition, framing - ads or magazines you have to sell... I'll get back to you within 48 hours (usually much sooner!). Looking forward to chatting! 

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5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 31 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 31 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
100%would recommend these products
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31 reviews
  • Mark
    Verified Buyer
    1981 Rolex GMT Master Ref. 1675 "If you go for this kind of action..." Advertisement
    Reviewing
    1981 Rolex GMT Master Ref. 1675 "If you go for this kind of action..." Advertisement
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    16 minutes ago
    Amazing!

    It is always such a pleasure to work with Nick. I have ordered multiple times and I have never had a bad experience. I absolutely love his product and how he runs his operation. Thanks so much!

  • Jordan
    Verified Reviewer
    Vintage Rolex Datejust "Men who guide the destinies..." Advertisement
    Reviewing
    Vintage Rolex Datejust "Men who guide the destinies..." Advertisement
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Yesterday
    Love it

    I enjoy this every day in my office. Love it!

  • Dylan H.
    1954 Rolex Submariner "Top of the World...Bottom of the Sea" Advertisement
    Reviewing
    1954 Rolex Submariner "Top of the World...Bottom of the Sea" Advertisement
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Yesterday
    Awesome Product

    I bought three ad's, and they were all very well packaged, maintained, and delivered. I will be a return customer, and appreciate this awesome business.

  • kevin P w.
    Verified Buyer
    1974 Rolex Explorer II Ref. 1655 "guaranteed to float to 45,000 ft." Advertisement
    Reviewing
    1974 Rolex Explorer II Ref. 1655 "guaranteed to float to 45,000 ft." Advertisement
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Yesterday
    Great Item, Great Company

    The item was delivered on time and was much better than the pictures detail. An amazing job; AAAAA+

  • Peter D.
    1995 Rolex GMT Master Ref. 16700 feat. Chuck Yeager Advertisement
    Reviewing
    1995 Rolex GMT Master Ref. 16700 feat. Chuck Yeager Advertisement
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    6 days ago
    Extremely impressed!

    Nick was great! Timely and secure shipping with a nice handwritten note included. Can’t wait to order again and support such a great small business!

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