- Often referred to as the President’s Watch, the Rolex Day-Date is the epitome of luxury.
- Earlier releases were exclusively available in 18-carat yellow gold.
- The Day-Date was a favourite for figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Warren Buffet and Jay-Z.
Few luxury watchmakers can boast the same horological clout as Rolex. The Swiss luxury watchmaker started life in London in 1905, before its founder Hans Wilsdorf decided to move the operation to the heart of haute horlogerie in Switzerland, just a few years later. Wilsdorf wanted the name of his new manufacture to be instantly recognisable to every watch collector in the world and short enough to fit on the dial. As such, Rolex was born.
Whether it’s the iconic Submariner, the elegant Datejust, or the trailblazing GMT-Master II, there’s a Rolex watch for everyone. They’re not just tools for telling time, but emblematic of an individual’s achievement and status. The prices may change with each horological year, but Rolex’s inherent appeal is notably timeless.
In this Rolex Day-Date article
Features of the 2024 Rolex Day-Date
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $58,000 AUD – $100,000+ AUD (depending on materials and customisation options) |
| Case Diameter | 36mm, 40mm |
| Materials | 18ct yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold, platinum |
| Functions | Time, running seconds, day function (full day of the week at 12 o’clock), date function with instantaneous change |
| Dial Options | Mother-of-Pearl, sundust, champagne, green, silver, black; with variations in hour markers including baguette-cut diamonds, Roman numerals, and rectangular baton indexes |
| Bezel | Fluted, domed, or diamond-set |
| Movement | Rolex Calibre 3255, automatic movement with approximately 70-hour power reserve |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres / 330 feet |
| Bracelet | President bracelet featuring a concealed Crownclasp and semi-circular three-piece links |
A Brief History of the Rolex Day-Date
When you’re looking into a watchmaker of such inherent prestige, you’ll often find significant milestones throughout its history that have since become the celebrated standard within haute horlogerie. Take Rolex, a watch brand with a legacy that spans two centuries, The Rolex Day-Date, introduced in 1956, was the world’s first wristwatch to display both the day of the week spelled out in full and the date on its dial. At the time, it was a revolutionary feature that earned this particular piece a place in horological perpetuity.
During its initial release in the mid-century, the Rolex Day-Date was exclusively available in precious metals such as polished gold or platinum, quickly becoming a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. Who would have thought that its unique bracelet, however, would be this piece’s defining feature – one that would secure its status as an enduring icon in the world of fine watchmaking.
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“The President’s Watch”
Often referred to as “The President’s Watch,” the Rolex Day-Date earned its iconic nickname thanks to its strong ties with U.S. presidents and world leaders, gracing the wrists of Lyndon B. Johnson during his tenure in the Oval Office. He was the first U.S. president to wear a Rolex, often pictured wearing his iconic yellow-gold piece.
One of the most famous Rolex Day-Dates in history is the solid gold piece gifted to former President John F. Kennedy by Marilyn Monroe. On his 45th birthday in 1962, Monroe presented Kennedy with the watch, engraved with the message: “Jack With Love As Always From Marilyn, May 29th, 1962.”
The story goes that Monroe also included a love poem with the gift, which reportedly prompted Kennedy to instruct his aide, Kenneth O’Donnell, to “get rid of it.” The watch was later sold at auction in 2005 for $120,000 USD (~$192,000 AUD). Despite its glamorous and scandalous backstory, Kennedy never wore the timepiece, which remains a fascinating artifact of both Rolex and presidential history.
The Day-Date in Popular Culture
The Rolex Day-Date’s association with success and authority has made it a favourite among icons throughout history, often seen on political leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., and more recently on business and trading titan Warren Buffett.
This legendary timepiece is not limited to the political and business elite. Cultural icons and Hollywood stars like Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Aniston have also embraced its refined charm.
In the rap game, Jay-Z, Kanye West and Drake have frequently flaunted their unique Day-Date pieces, blending hip-hop flair with Rolex’s timeless appeal. Similarly, athletes such as Roger Federer and LeBron James have elevated its profile in the sports world, introducing this Oval Office favourite to the manicured greens of Wimbledon and the thrilling spectacle of the NBA.
Where to Buy a Rolex Day-Date in Australia
The Rolex Day-Date, like all of Rolex’s celebrated releases, can be purchased at official Rolex boutiques and authorised Rolex retailers like Kennedy in Australia. Of course, with today’s waiting lists exceeding years instead of months, it can be difficult to get your hands on your favourite model.
Alternatively, you can source your desired model from a trusted reseller like Chrono24. It’s a different experience, certainly. But you can find the exact model and year you want without having to wait for limited availability in-store.
Rolex Day-Date (1956) Ref. 6511
Released in 1956, the original Rolex Day-Date stands as an icon of horology. This pioneering model was the first-ever Day-Date to hit the shelves at the turn of the mid-century and earned its reputation as a luxury milestone thanks to its full day and date display at the 12 o’clock.
This release featured the classic pie-pan dial design seen in other models like the Rolex Datejust, and was exclusively available in 18k yellow gold, making it a highly sought-after piece for collectors and enthusiasts.
Rolex Day-Date (1959) Ref. 1803
Released in 1959, the Rolex Day-Date Ref. 1803 cemented its status as the epitome of luxury, often seen on the wrists of world leaders and cultural icons, including Martin Luther King Jr. who would frequently wear his Day-Date during the most significant moments in his life – most notably, during a meeting with President Lyndon Johnson, another Day-Date purist, in 1966.
The Ref. 1803 introduced Rolex’s now signature fluted bezel and was available in a wide variety of dial options, including the classic champagne and linen textures. Much like its predecessors, this piece was produced exclusively in precious metals such as yellow gold, white gold, and Everose gold, reflecting its growing status within the horological world of sophistication and prestige.
Rolex Day-Date (1977) Ref. 18038
The ultimate ’80s status symbol, the Rolex Day-Date (Ref. 18038) was the golden goose for watch collectors, representative of an era that chased decadence and luxury.
Apart from its obvious good looks (available in lavish 18k yellow gold, white gold, and Everose gold) his reference introduced more technical features to the Day-Date line, as it was the first to feature a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a single-quickset date function, making adjustments more convenient for wearers.
Champagne dials or diamond embellishments were common additions to this particular reference in the 18000 collection, making this a classic offering in Rolex’s revered catalogues.
Rolex Day-Date (1988) Ref. 18238
Often seen on the wrists of figures like Warren Buffett and Jay-Z, the Ref. 18238 elevated its design with exotic dials crafted from materials like lapis lazuli and meteorite, alongside its traditional offerings, making it a highly sought-after piece in the Day-Date collection.
Its debut double-quickset feature allowed both the day and date to be adjusted independently, adding a layer of convenience for wearers that we hadn’t previously seen.
With a modern touch and high-profile ambassadors, it’s easy to see why this particular reference has continued to stand the test of time for collectors.
Rolex Day-Date (2024) Ref. 128238
Rolex updated the Day-Date collection in 2024 with exciting new models that took the legacy of his iconic collection and embellished it with contemporary tastes.
Crafted in a 36mm case in 18 kt yellow gold, the ref. 128238 is distinguished by its striking white lacquer dial, which features faceted, deconstructed Roman numerals and indices. As always, the President bracelet complements the watch, offering unparalleled comfort and style.
