Rolex

Day Date Watches

History of Rolex Day-Date

As Rolex’s premium line, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date is only available in precious metals, specifically 18K gold and platinum. It was the first watch that has both the date and day of the week display on the dial. The Rolex Day-Date is also commonly known as the Rolex President watch.

The legendary watch brand Rolex has never ceased to surprise us with exceptional new creations and stunning wristwatches throughout all these years. Not only is Rolex an esteemed brand, but their timepieces have also become symbols of prestige, success and status. One of such outstanding creations is the Rolex Day-Date, also famously known as the Rolex President. It is the epitome of the exquisite luxury watches produced by Rolex.

Introduced in 1956, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date was the first ever self-winding chronometer to feature both a day of the week and date display on the dial. It was only available in 18K gold or solid 950 platinum, a classic timepiece in precious metals designed to be Rolex’s flagship watch.

“The President” Nickname of Rolex Day-Date

A decade after the Day-Date was debuted, it was crowned the “President’s Watch” after Lyndon Johnson became the first United States president to wear it. Rolex also made use of this reference in its advertisement for the Day-Date. However, a marvelous timepiece such as this is not only highly regarded by presidents, but by other influential figures around the world as well including the biggest movie stars and famous athletes. Originally, the reference of president was linked to the President bracelet which was delivered with the Day-Date but not exactly the whole watch, but we all know what the name means today. In an advertisement from 1984, Rolex officially called the timepiece “The Rolex President Day-Date Chronometer” for the first time and that was when the nickname became acknowledged. There may be different versions of the origin story of the nickname, but there is no doubt this is a perfectly skillful choice of name for such a spectacular timepiece.

Explore the Variations of Rolex Day-Date

Nowadays, you can find the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date in a range of materials such as yellow, white or rose gold, as well as solid 950 platinum, albeit the choices of stainless steel or two-tone no longer exist for current models. You are also gifted with the varied dial colors, bezels, hour markers and bracelet configurations. There are just many options to choose from and fans are sure to be pleased. How about taking a closer look at some of the latest models in precious 18K yellow, white, or Everose gold which feature different dial-strap combinations?

Vintage Rolex Day-Date 18038

The President Day-Date with the reference 18038 is a sophisticated piece to be included in your collection. Both its 36mm case and bracelet are made of scintillating yellow gold. The design is classic but also cool for today’s beauty standards. Featuring a pie-pan dial, this wristwatch is powered by the Caliber 3055 perpetual movement, the fifth generation Day/Date movement released by Rolex. The movement is notable for its 28,800 BPH as well as the Quickset function which lets users conveniently adjust the date with the crown. There is no more need to wound the crown a full 24 hours.

Vintage Rolex Day-Date 18078

This 36mm Rolex Day-Date with the reference 18078 in solid gold was introduced in 1977. The black dial detailed with baton hour markers is encased by the Oyster case and a sophisticated bezel with a textured bark accent. The President bracelet is also treated with the same finishing on the center links for a consistent look. This elegant piece is also remarkable for the baroque grooves and the optional diamond embellishments around the bezel, and it is the only reference to offer such a beautiful option.

Vintage Rolex Day-Date 18248

This model of Rolex Day-Date is highly sought-after for its rarity and stunning beauty. It features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and also the iconic 18K gold fluted bezel and bracelet with a bark finish. What distinguishes this Day-Date from the other vintage models is its improved Caliber 3155 movement, which has an accuracy of -4 to +6 seconds a day.

Vintage Rolex Day-Date 18238

This Rolex Day-Date, reference 18238, was debuted in 1988. It is equipped with the Caliber 3155 movement and the impressive double quickset function. You can now adjust both the day and date independently without changing the time, a highly convenient feature for the wearers. This beautiful model is among the world’s most luxurious timepieces and whoever sets eyes on it would be astonished.

The aforementioned vintage Rolex Day-Date models all make a good choice to be included in your watch collection. Of course, there are more style options to be explored besides these. Just a few years back in 2015, Rolex surprised us with the new Day-Date 40, the same iconic Oyster Perpetual wristwatch but enlarged to 41mm in diameter.

For over half a century, the Rolex Day-Date is a much-coveted watch around the world as an unparalleled symbol of refinement, status, comfort and luxury, and a representative premium timepiece produced by Rolex. To this day, it remains an irrefutable choice for influential figures including celebrities, CEOs, professional athletes, and of course presidents. Not only does its use of precious metals gives it a luxurious touch, but the enduring simplistic design promises that it will always stay in style.