The Rolex Day-Date, since its inception, has stood as a symbol of luxury, prestige, and unparalleled craftsmanship in the realm of haute horlogerie. As Rolex’s flagship timepiece, it has not only captured the attention of watch enthusiasts worldwide but has also become an emblem of status and sophistication.
What emphasizes the posh nature of the Day-Date is its exclusive use of noble metals: it is only available in gold or platinum, materials synonymous with luxury and durability. This strategic choice underscores Rolex’s commitment to excellence and aligns perfectly with the brand’s image as a purveyor of high-end, quality timepieces.
The Day-Date‘s appeal lies in its perfect blend of classic design, innovative technology, and meticulous attention to detail. Over the years, it has been adorned with various unique features and embellishments, from distinctive dials to intricate bezel designs, each adding to its allure and collector appeal. As we explore the key models of the Day-Date in every metal, we uncover the rich history and distinctive characteristics that make each timepiece a marvel in its own right.
Here’s a look at a few standout contemporary models of the Rolex Day-Date in every precious metal.
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Rolex President Day-Date 40 Green Dial White Gold 228239
The Rolex Day-Date 40 reference 228239, a special 60th-anniversary edition, stands out with its distinctive olive green dial, a color choice that adds a contemporary twist to the classic design. This model is encased in 18 karat white gold and features a 40mm case, striking a balance between elegance and presence on the wrist.
It is equipped with Rolex’s innovative caliber 3255, a self-winding mechanical movement celebrated for its precision and reliability. The combination of the modern green dial and the luxurious white gold construction makes this timepiece a sought-after collectible in the Rolex portfolio, appealing to both traditional watch enthusiasts and modern collectors.
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Rolex Day-Date 40 President Rose Gold Chocolate Dial 228235
Introduced in 2016, this model features a 40mm case crafted in 18 karat Everose gold, an exclusive rose gold alloy developed by Rolex that is known for its durability and unique hue. The fluted bezel is also made of 18 karat Everose gold, adding to the watch’s elegant appearance.
The watch is powered by the Rolex Calibre 3255, a self-winding mechanical movement known for its precision and reliability. This movement is a perpetual, mechanical, self-winding type, offering a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. The Day-Date 40 also boasts a water resistance of up to 100 meters (330 feet), ensuring durability and resilience.
One of the most striking features of this timepiece is its chocolate dial, set with 10 baguette-cut diamonds. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with a cyclops lens over the date enhances the legibility of the day and date display. The President bracelet, made of the same 18 ct Everose gold, completes the watch’s distinguished look with its semi-circular three-piece links and concealed folding Crownclasp.
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Rolex President Day-Date 40 Yellow Gold Silver Diagonal Dial 228238
Introduced in 2021, this watch features a 40mm case made from 18 karat yellow gold, which includes a fluted bezel and a screw-down crown with the Rolex logo.
One of the most distinctive features of this model is its laser-etched silver diagonal motif dial, whose lines are achieved over the sunburst dial. It is also adorned with luminous yellow gold baton hour markers. The day window is positioned at 12 o’clock, and the date window is at 3 o’clock, both of which are enhanced by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with a cyclops magnifier for better legibility.
The watch is powered by Rolex’s officially certified chronometer self-winding movement, the Caliber 3255, known for its precision and durability. This movement also has a double quick-set function and a power reserve of approximately 70 hours.
The President bracelet is also made of 18 karat yellow gold and features a hidden clasp, providing a seamless and comfortable fit. This model is water-resistant up to 100 meters (330 feet) and is a Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing), ensuring high performance in various conditions.
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Rolex President Day-Date II Blue Diamond Dial Platinum 218206
Produced between 2008 and 2015, this model features a 41mm case crafted from 950 platinum, making it one of the largest and most exclusive Rolex President watches ever created.
The watch is equipped with the Rolex Caliber 3156, a self-winding mechanical movement that offers double Quickset functionality for the day and date displays, along with chronometer certification. This movement ensures high precision and reliability, operating at 28,800 beats per hour and offering a 48-hour power reserve.
A standout feature of this watch is its ice blue dial, which is exclusive to Rolex’s platinum models. This particular dial is further enhanced with original Rolex factory diamond hour markers, adding an extra layer of elegance and luxury. The platinum smooth bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with a Cyclops magnifier complement the sophisticated design. The watch’s bracelet is a platinum Presidential bracelet, known for its lustruous sheen and durability.
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Rolex President Day-Date White Gold Pink Opal Diamond Dial 128239
This model features an exquisite 36mm Oyster case crafted from 18 karat white gold, complementing the pink opal dial that is set with diamonds. This combination of pink opal and diamonds creates a visually striking and elegant watch face.
The dial features hour markers in 18 karat gold, set with 32 diamonds, and includes Roman numerals VI and IX in 18 karat gold, set with 24 diamonds. The fluted bezel is also made from 18 karat white gold.
This watch is powered by Rolex’s Calibre 3255, a self-winding mechanical movement known for its precision and reliability. This movement has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours and offers functions such as center hour, minute, and seconds hands, instantaneously changing day and date in apertures, unrestricted rapid-setting, and stop-seconds for precise time setting.
The President bracelet, also made of 18 karat white gold, features semi-circular three-piece links and a concealed folding Crownclasp, ensuring both comfort and elegance. The watch is water-resistant up to 100 meters (330 feet).
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Final Thoughts
Each of these models embodies the Day-Date‘s legacy of luxury and precision, with their distinctive features and use of precious materials setting them apart in the world of haute horlogerie. The exclusive use of gold and platinum in these timepieces aligns seamlessly with Rolex’s image as a maker of high-quality, prestigious watches.
For those interested in acquiring or learning more about the Rolex Day-Date collection, or exploring timepieces from the world’s top luxury watch brands, discover our vast selection at SwissWatchExpo.com.
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