Often called the President due to Rolex’s gift of one to Dwight Eisenhower, the Day-Date is a universal luxury watch that adapts to your style. A highly-respected investment piece, it commands solid prices in the secondhand market and retains its value over time.
When Alec Baldwin unsnaps the hidden clasp on his yellow-gold, champagne-dial Day-Date in David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross, his bewildered peers can only stare slack-jawed at this primal totem of success and power.
The Case
As its name implies, the Rolex Day-Date is distinguished by dual apertures that display both the date and day of the week (spelled out in full) on the same dial. This unique feature sets the Day-Date apart from other Rolex models and, together with its opulent design, makes it one of the most revered luxury watches in the world.
From the very beginning, the Day-Date was available in a multitude of finishes and materials, giving collectors the opportunity to choose a model that perfectly reflects their personal style. This versatility continues today, as the Day-Date is still offered in yellow, white, and Everose gold, and both fluted and domed bezels.
Even the dials are incredibly varied, with options ranging from traditional stick indices to Arabic numerals and Roman numerals. The dials can also be enhanced with a variety of colors and textures, from classic sunburst finishes to exotic wood or meteorite dials. The bezels are also available in fluted, domed, and diamond variations, with each option reflecting the material and finish of the case and President bracelet.
The case and bracelet of the Rolex Day-Date are crafted in either yellow, white, or rose (Everose) gold, depending on the model chosen. These materials are chosen for their strength, durability, and beauty, and each version is available in various bezel and dial combinations.
For example, the Rolex Day-Date 36 ref. 128238 features a fluted bezel, white dial, and Roman indices, while the ref. 118139 boasts a domed bezel, diamond indices, and a white dial. The latter is a more feminine model that is perfect for black tie events, while the former is a more versatile option that can be worn in more casual settings.
Amongst the most popular modern Rolex Day-Date 36mm models is the ref. 118235, which features a bezel and dial crafted in 18-karat yellow gold. This model is equipped with a double quickset function that allows the wearer to set both the date and the day independently of the time.
The Rolex Day-Date was the first watch to include this innovative and timesaving feature, which revolutionized the way people wear their watches. This feature is simple to use, and all you need to do is rotate the crown towards the 12 o’clock position to set the date, and toward the 6 o’clock position to set the day.
The Bracelet
The 36mm Day-Date is Rolex’s most luxurious dress watch and, in my opinion, one of the most stunning watches in modern horology. It’s available in a variety of styles, from simple versions with golden sunburst dials and stick indices to those with lust-inducing coloured dials like a yellow gold model with a green dial, a white gold model with a cognac dial, or a luscious Everose (Rolex’s proprietary rose gold that does not fade over time) model with a chocolate dial. Prices for these models begin at around 40,500 USD.
In terms of technical innovations, the Day-Date was the first Rolex to feature a double quickset, allowing the date and day windows to be set independently of the hour hand. In addition, it was also the first model to be officially labeled a Superlative Chronometer, a designation that is now a standard across all Rolex collections. Today, the 36mm Day-Date continues to be a platform for innovation with new features such as ceramic pin sleeves, which were first introduced on the watch back in 2015.
As for bracelets, there are a number of options for this iconic model. There’s the President bracelet, which was originally created for the inaugural Day-Date in 1956. This is the most common bracelet style for this model, and it can be adorned with different finishes and colours including yellow gold, white gold, or Rolex’s own patented Everose. In addition, the centre links of the ‘President’ bracelet can be laced with brilliant-cut diamonds.
Another bracelet option for the 36mm Day-Date is the Oyster bracelet, which is lighter and more comfortable to wear than the President bracelet and is designed for versatility and comfort. Rolex also offers a wide selection of bracelet styles in precious metals such as platinum, which is the ultimate symbol of luxury and adds a sense of exclusivity to the watch.
The Day-Date is a remarkable watch that transcends fashion and horology to become a symbol of status and power. This is why it has been worn by so many of the world’s most accomplished individuals, including heads of state and celebrities, professional athletes, and captains of industry such as Warren Buffet. In fact, this is why the Day-Date is often referred to as “The President” watch.
The Dial
Rolex’s iconic Day-Date model has always been a gold standard for luxury watches. It was one of the first watches to feature a date display with both the date and day of the week spelled out on the dial, making it the perfect choice for busy executives and professional men. The Day-Date isn’t just a watch, but it’s a symbol of achievement and success that has stood the test of time.
The Day-Date series has come in a variety of configurations over the years, offering countless possibilities for buyers to find the right piece for them. From different case sizes to different dial colors and designs, each version of the Rolex Day-Date leaves a distinctive impression. Today, buyers can choose between 36-mm models that exude a classic look or 40-mm versions that have a more sporty appeal. The latter are available with a variety of dial color and bezel design options and may be outfitted with precious gemstones.
Day-Date watches are available in yellow, white, and Everose gold and with a choice of Oyster or President bracelets. The Oyster cases are waterproof up to 100 meters, and they can be fitted with fluted or smooth bezels. The dials are often coated with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and the bezels can be made from polished, textured, or diamond-encrusted materials. Some versions of the Rolex Day-Date also include Twinlock crowns that screw into the Monobloc middle case to ensure superior water resistance and security.
The most important aspect of the Rolex Day-Date is its legendary design, which has become a hallmark for the brand and an indicator of quality craftsmanship. It’s the perfect choice for any occasion, from formal black-tie events to everyday business meetings. The Day-Date’s reputation for excellence and the exclusive use of precious metals cement its position as a high-end investment piece. Whether it’s used or new, a Rolex Day-Date will hold its value better than most other luxury watches. However, it’s crucial to do your research before purchasing a used or vintage Day-Date. Having an understanding of what creates value for this model will help you avoid common mistakes that can devalue your watch.
The Movement
As Rolex fans know, a quality watch is more than just its face and movement; it’s about the details that make the difference. The movement of the Rolex Day-Date is no exception. The caliber 3155 that powers the 36 mm model has a number of advanced features, including a double quick-set function and an anti-magnetic system that can withstand up to 100 times more magnetic field intensity than other Rolex movements. The blue Parachrom hairspring – made from a unique niobium-zirconium alloy – oscillates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and is up to 10 times more precise than conventional watch escapements when subjected to sudden jolts.
As with all Rolex watches, the Day-Date comes with the Rolex certificate of authenticity and a 2-year warranty. This is a testament to the brand’s dedication to superior craftsmanship and customer service. As a result, the Day-Date has held an iconic status among luxury timepiece enthusiasts and is an excellent choice for those looking to add a refined yet understated piece to their collection.
The Day-Date has earned the nickname of the “Rolex President” thanks to its popularity with prominent leaders both past and present. It is believed that Dwight D. Eisenhower’s gold Rolex Datejust was the inspiration for the nickname, though he was wearing an 18k yellow gold Datejust and not a 36mm Day-Date when photographed on the cover of TIME magazine in 1952. The Day-Date also graced the wrists of John F. Kennedy and his successor, Lyndon B. Johnson, as well as other world leaders and business tycoons.
Pre-owned Rolex Day-Dates can be found in a wide variety of color and bezel options. Models with diamonds are a more luxurious choice and better suited for black tie events, while more simple versions are ideal for everyday use. With its unisex design, the Rolex Day-Date is the perfect choice for men and women who want a premium luxury watch that adapts to their style and personality.
With its impeccable quality and association with success, the Rolex Day-Date has held an iconic status since it was first released in 1956. As a result, it is one of the most sought-after Rolex models in both new and used condition. As a pre-owned Rolex, the Day-Date will hold its value and appreciate in value over time, making it an investment that is sure to pay dividends for years to come.
