&noscript=1 />

Rolex - Day-Date

The Rolex Day-Date, a pinnacle of luxury watchmaking, epitomizes elegance and precision. Introduced in 1956, it stands out in the Rolex collection with its unique and innovative features. As the first waterproof chronometer with a self-winding ability to offer a modern calendar with an instantaneous, fully spelled-out day, the Day-Date set a new standard in watchmaking.
Read More

Renowned for its iconic 'President' bracelet, the Day-Date is crafted exclusively in 18 ct gold or platinum, symbolizing prestige and excellence. It represents Rolex's commitment to combining sophisticated design with practical functionality, making it a favored choice among leaders and watch connoisseurs worldwide.

Rolex’s Rich History and Innovations

Founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis, Rolex has a storied history characterized by innovation and technical excellence. Initially known as Wilsdorf and Davis, the company focused on distributing timepieces to jewelers who branded them under their names. By 1908, Wilsdorf created the Rolex brand, recognized for its easy pronunciation in various languages and its fit on watch movements and dials.

From its first office in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, Rolex rapidly gained prominence. In 1910, it achieved a significant milestone when one of its wristwatches became the first to receive a certificate of chronometric performance, marking Rolex as a maker of superb timekeepers.

A major breakthrough came in 1926 with the introduction of the Oyster case, the world's first waterproof watch case. This innovation, featuring a fluted bezel and case back, positioned Rolex as a pioneer in watchmaking technology. The Oyster's capabilities were further showcased in 1927 when swimmer Mercedes Gleitze wore it while swimming across the English Channel. The watch's perfect functioning after ten hours in the water earned Rolex international acclaim.

Rolex's history of participating in groundbreaking expeditions—from the top of Mount Everest to deep-sea diving—has proven the reliability of its watches in extreme conditions, solidifying its reputation as a watch for the adventurous and bold.

Design and Features of Rolex Day-Date

The Rolex Day-Date stands out with its unique design and luxurious features. Crafted exclusively in 18 ct gold or platinum, the Day-Date is a symbol of prestige and elegance in the Rolex lineup. Its 'President' bracelet, known for its distinctive semi-circular three-piece links, adds to its grandeur and comfort on the wrist.

  • Innovative Calendar Display: The Day-Date pioneered the modern calendar feature in wristwatches, displaying the day of the week fully spelled out along with the date. This technical innovation enhanced the watch's functionality and visual appeal. The instantaneous change mechanism of the day and date displays at midnight is a testament to Rolex’s attention to detail and technical proficiency.
  • Precision and Prestige: The Day-Date’s movement is a paragon of Rolex's engineering excellence, ensuring impeccable timekeeping. The watch's chronometer certification assures its accuracy, and the waterproof Oyster case enhances its durability. This combination of precision and high-quality craftsmanship has made the Day-Date a preferred choice among global leaders and watch connoisseurs.
  • Elegant and Versatile Design: Beyond its technical prowess, the Day-Date is celebrated for its versatile aesthetic. The watch features a fluted bezel which adds a touch of sophistication, and various dial designs from minimalist to ornate, offering a range of styles to suit different tastes. Its legibility is enhanced by the Cyclops lens over the date, while the variety of dial colors and hour marker designs allows for personalization, making each Day-Date unique.

The Rolex Day-Date's design and features represent a perfect blend of Rolex's commitment to luxury, precision, and innovative design, making it a timeless piece in the world of luxury watches.

History of the Rolex Day-Date

The Rolex Day-Date, introduced in 1956 with references 6510 and 6511, marked a significant milestone for Rolex. It was the first wristwatch to display the day and date simultaneously, available exclusively in 18-carat gold or platinum. The Day-Date's initial references were short-lived, quickly succeeded by the 6611 in 1957, featuring the updated caliber 1055 movement with micro-stella adjustment.

By the 1960s, the Day-Date evolved into the reference 1803, part of the 1800 series, which introduced the caliber 1555 and later the caliber 1556 movement. These movements improved the watch's beat rate and, in 1972, added a hacking mechanism. This era's models, known for their pie-pan-shaped dials, were available in various languages for the day's display, showcasing Rolex's commitment to global appeal and functionality.

The 1978 introduction of the reference 18038 brought significant changes, including the transition from the pie-pan dial to a flat dial and the first use of sapphire crystal in the Day-Date series. Equipped with the caliber 3055 movement, this model featured a quickset function for the date, enhancing its usability.

Further advancements came with the 18238 reference in 1988, utilizing the caliber 3155 movement. This model was notable for its double quickset function, allowing easy correction of both the day and date. The series offered various configurations, including dial options and bezel styles, reflecting Rolex's emphasis on customization.

In 2008, Rolex introduced the Day-Date II, increasing the case size to 41mm. This model was replaced in 2015 by the Day-Date 40, featuring the new caliber 3255 movement with a Chronergy escapement and Parachrom hairspring. This latest iteration represents a blend of Rolex's traditional elegance with modern technical advancements, ensuring the Day-Date's continued status as a flagship model in Rolex's collection.

Rolex Day-Date Craftsmanship and Quality

The early references, 6510 and 6511, showcased the iconic President bracelet, fluted bezel, and 36mm Oyster case. These models were powered by the caliber 1055, which necessitated a bulkier case to accommodate the new day disc and self-winding mechanism. As Rolex consistently strives for perfection, this movement was later replaced with the caliber 1555 in the 180x series, leading to sleeker designs and more comfortable wear.

The 1970s brought significant changes with the introduction of hacking seconds in the caliber 1556 and a Single Quickset function in the caliber 3055, enhancing precision and usability. During the Quartz Crisis, Rolex adapted by developing quartz movement watches, including the Day-Date series powered by the in-house caliber 5055 and later caliber 5355. However, these quartz models ultimately did not gain widespread popularity.

In the late 1980s, the 182xx series emerged with the caliber 3155 and the now-standard Double Quickset function, allowing easier adjustments of both the date and day displays. The Day-Date II was introduced in 2008 with a larger 41mm case and the caliber 3156, which was eventually replaced by the Day-Date 40 in 2015, featuring the new caliber 3255. This latest movement boasts magnetic-resistant and anti-shock technology, a singularly precise reading, and a 70-hour power reserve, and is protected by 14 patents, highlighting Rolex's continuous innovation in movement technology.

Today, the Day-Date 40 and Day-Date 36 are powered by the caliber 3255, representing Rolex's enduring commitment to combining traditional elegance with modern technical advancements. The evolution of the Day-Date series reflects Rolex's unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and maintaining the highest quality standards in watchmaking.

Sightings of the Day-Date in Pop Culture and Among Celebrities

The Rolex Day-Date has been a symbol of success and prestige, donned by influential figures across various fields. Its allure extends beyond its technical prowess to its representation of achievement and status.

  • Michael Jordan: Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Michael Jordan's choice of timepiece reflects his status and style. Known for his affinity for luxury watches, Jordan has been seen sporting the Rolex Day-Date, a watch that mirrors his legendary status in sports and his impeccable taste.
  • Lyndon Johnson: The 36th President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson was known for his significant political influence. Johnson was one of the early adopters of the Rolex Day-Date, often seen wearing a yellow-gold version. His preference for this model contributed to its nickname, "The President," and solidified its association with power and leadership.
  • The Dalai Lama: The Dalai Lama, a global spiritual leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is known for his messages of peace and compassion. His choice of the Rolex Day-Date with the lapis lazuli dial, simple yet elegant, resonates with his principles of humility and simplicity, while also reflecting the respect and reverence accorded to his position.

The Rolex Day-Date, since its inception in 1956, has not only been a symbol of luxury and precision but also a valuable investment in the world of horology. Renowned for its exclusive design and innovative features, the Day-Date is more than just a timepiece; it's a legacy that appreciates in value with time. As a collectible, it holds a special place in the hearts of watch enthusiasts and collectors, known for retaining, and often increasing, its value over the years.

At Avi & Co., we specialize in luxury watches, with a particular emphasis on the esteemed Rolex Day-Date collection and other Rolex watches. Our expertise in this field positions us as a leading retailer, offering a selection that encompasses both classic and contemporary Day-Date models.

We take pride in providing our clients with timepieces that are not just accessories but investments in craftsmanship and history. Our curated collection reflects not only the historical importance of these watches but also their enduring appeal as symbols of status and refinement. We are the #1 Rolex dealer in NYC, with additional boutique locations in Miami and Aspen, and we also ship worldwide for our discerning customers around the globe.

Items 1-20 of 46

Set Ascending Direction
  1. 228398TBR-0038-001 Rolex 5411
  2. 228235-014 Rolex 5410
  3. 228206-008 Rolex 5409
  4. 228348RBR-005 Rolex 5373
  5. 128235-001 Rolex 5362
  6. 228206-007 Rolex 5335
  7. 118238-002 Rolex 5330
  8. 228239-006 Rolex 5326
  9. 2585 Rolex 5324
  10. 218235-003 Rolex 5232
  11. 2391 Rolex 5211
  12. 228348RBR-006 Rolex 5133
  13. 228206-006 Rolex 5068
  14. 228238-018 Rolex 5046
  15. 228235-011 Rolex 5026
  16. 218235-002 Rolex 4976
  17. 228239-005 Rolex 4971
  18. 228345RBR-005 Rolex 4960
  19. 228345RBR-003 Rolex 4953
  20. 228235-010 Rolex 4951

Items 1-20 of 46

Set Ascending Direction
Page
per page