How the Rolex Day-Date Became “The President”

Before it became the “President’s Watch” the Rolex President Day Date already caused a sensation when it was launched in 1956.

It symbolized the pinnacle of Rolex’s watchmaking prowess – after numerous innovations in the previous decades, the Rolex Day-Date asserted its universal nature by becoming the first waterproof and self-winding chronometer to indicate the day of the week in 26 different languages. This, on top of other elements that make it a Rolex.

It’s no surprise then that the watch has been the choice for many leaders, titans, royalty and celebrities. How exactly did the Day-Date become “The President’s Watch”? We take you through key milestones in its 61-year history:

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Numerous improvements were made throughout the years (such as the “Quick Set” feature in the 1970’s, and the improved solid links on the bracelet in the 2000’s), but its design has remained timeless.

Over the years, it will also be proven that several US Presidents indeed proudly wore the Rolex Day-Date aside from Johnson – including Kennedy, Ford, Reagan, Nixon to Roosevelt – and even world leaders like the Dalai Lama.

For a watch that is masterfully crafted by the leading watchmaker in the world, it’s no surprise that leaders themselves choose to wear it.