About Rolex Day-Date Watches

The Rolex Day-Date, most commonly referred to as the Rolex President, has become a symbol of class, style, and success. It is one of the most prestigious Rolex watches available today. The Day-Date President is still considered Rolex's signature, high-status watch. Since its inception in 1956, the watch has been worn by a diverse array of musicians, professional athletes, and United States Presidents. Famous wearers include Winston Churchill, Dwight Eisenhower, LBJ, Warren Buffett, Jay Z, and Tony Soprano. Eisenhower was famously seen wearing the watch in 1952 on the cover of Life Magazine, and he could commonly be seen wearing it throughout the course of his presidency. He was the U.S. President to establish wearing a Rolex as a Presidential trend.

Nearly 10 years after its initial introduction, the Day-Date officially received its legendary nickname. Lyndon Johnson had been frequently seen wearing his 18k gold Day-Date and in 1966 Rolex released a U.S. magazine ad referring to the Day-Date as “the presidents’ watch.” Technically the “President” name actually only pertains to the semi-circular, three-piece link bracelet found on the Day-Date; however, the name stuck and is used for any Day-Date watch.

On a much more scandalous note, Marilyn Monroe gave John F. Kennedy the Rolex President on the night she sang “Happy Birthday Mr. President” to him at Madison Square Garden. The back was inscribed “JACK with love as always from MARILYN May 29th, 1962.” The watch’s whereabouts remained a mystery until 2005, when it sold at an auction for $120,000.

The Day-Date is the world’s first watch to display both the date and the day of the week through separate windows on the surface of the dial. Early President Day-Date models went to depths of 165 feet and newer models can go up to 100 meters deep. The day of the week wheel can also be ordered in any one of 26 different languages. It is available in Yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum.

The most notable and popular feature of the Rolex Day-Date is its band, characterized by its semi-circular links. The President bracelet was made specifically for the Day-Date and is only available in 18-karat gold (yellow, white, or pink) or platinum. This particular bracelet will not be seen with any other models, as it is exclusively manufactured for the Day-Date. The links are well bound and give a comfortable wearing experience.

Rolex introduced the "Double Quick-Set" watch in 1990, permitting the day and date settings possible to be separately set. Rolex also expanded its Crown Collection to include all types of precious stones. In 2000, Rolex introduced a rose gold version of the Day-Date, and featured the watch with sapphire mineral glass.

For the 100th anniversary In 2008, Rolex unveiled the Day-Date II collection with a much larger 41mm case size. This was a modernized version of the classic Day-Date President watch, and it proved popular by those who favor larger men’s watches. In 2015, a 40mm replaced the slightly larger 41mm. Updated features included a longer 72-hour power reserve and improved accuracy.

The Rolex Day-Date has an unbeatable classic design and is composed of precious metals and materials of the most robust and highest quality. Because of the exquisite workmanship and stable brand equity of Rolex, the Day-Date is considered a viable investment. The timepiece has become one of the most famous Rolex models due in part to its distinguished supporters.