Rolex Day-Date: A Symbol of Elegance Class and Stature
Introduced in 1956, the Rolex Day-Date is a true masterpiece both in terms of aesthetic brilliance and functional engineering. In addition, it was also the first timepiece launched by the company that displayed both the day of the week as well as the date. This is what primarily made the watch so popular amongst businessmen, celebrities, and world leaders. It is a classic model that can exude a feeling of class and elegance. Instantly recognizable thanks to its unique dial and quality materials, the Day-Date boasts beautiful and meticulous craftsmanship.
Illustrious History
Ten years after launching their legendary Rolex Datejust collection, Rolex watches phenomenally transcended expectations yet again by introducing the exemplary Day-Date model in 1956. The new quintessential model boasted the same size of bezel and case complimenting the Datejust. However, what really sets the Day-Day apart is its uniquely designed bracelet along with another pretty innovative and iconic feature; it fully displays the day of the week and also displays the date. The day is displayed right over the 12 o'clock marker. It was a sensation, and to this day, the Day-Date symbolizes the brand's exceptional watchmaking expertise and vision.
Available in more than 20 languages, the company still manufactures Day-Dates and they have been worn by countless dignitaries, US Presidents, and celebrities. The watch has a specially made 'presidential' bracelet, which is also the reason why it is also known as the Rolex President. In addition, the watch has also been featured in a variety of TV shows, and movies. The watch is synonymous with wealth, stature, and influence, and it is this sense and feeling of exclusivity that has helped it timelessly preserve its popularity and status as one of the best Rolex watches ever.
Important Features of the Day-Date
Beautiful Dial
The Rolex Day-Date features a brilliant dial with dual apertures, featuring the date and fully spelled-out days. Moreover, the watch is available in multiple languages for the day aperture. The dial comprises standard stick indices and some rare collectible models come in Arabic numerals as well. You can also find the Day-Date in diamond-set indexes and Roman numerals. The watch also comes in a slew of elegant dial colors such as blue, white, and champagne, and some models are made with exotic precious materials such as meteorites and gemstones.
Spectacular Case Design
Initially, the Day-Date was launched in a 36mm case. However, due to the demand for bigger watch cases over the years, the company also introduced 41mm cases, which were known as the Day-Date II. Today, you'll be able to find Day-Date watches in both 36mm and 40mm case sizes. While there are versions made with the legendary Oyster case, recent models feature sapphire crystal cases that are scratch-resistant. The rarer editions were made from acrylic.
The Epic Bracelet
The Rolex Day-Date features the famous and cherished "President" bracelet, which to this day, remains a powerful and in-demand characteristic of the series. While there have been other bracelets designed for numerous other Rolex watches, the President bracelet remains exclusively for the Day-Date series. It boasts a classy and inconspicuously placed crown clasp with the center immaculately polished.
Design Excellence and Exceptional Materials
Many popular watch brands manufacture stainless steel timepieces using high-quality materials. However, Rolex upped its game, using superior quality steel known as 904L. It's a high-grade material that easily boosts the visual aesthetics of Rolex watches and is more luxurious. Using avant-garde watchmaking engineering, tools, and craftsmanship, Rolex produces true masterpieces that are durable and can last a long time. In addition, the type of steel the company uses also makes its watches more corrosion-resistant and maintains their polish exceptionally well.
Rolex has always been the vanguard of horology engineering and watchmaking innovation since the company was founded more than 100 years ago. Rolex watches are a testament to perfection and prestige and the brand has continually strived to develop newer and better innovations, pushing the boundaries of watchmaking excellence throughout all its timeless products.
Like other legendary names in the business, such as Audemars Piguet, Rolex has always had an unwavering focus on form and functionality. The company has dedicated laboratories with different departments specializing in the best watch research, skilled craftsmanship, and quality development. The company expanded its research and development, bringing in a wealth of horology experts and engineers along with mechanical engineers, microtechnologists, and much more. It owns hundreds of different patents and is constantly working on bringing people only the best in terms of functionality, materials, and visual brilliance.
World-class Gem-Setting
With peerless precision and a focus on watch engineering and functionality, Rolex watches also feature elegant gem-setting, unmatched by a variety of modern companies. It also has a separate gem-setting department and employs only the best gemologists. Each diamond and any other precious stone the company uses is stringently checked for quality and undergoes comprehensive tests. Using specialist techniques and tools, the company rigorously strives to uphold the highest of standards. With cutting-edge gemology labs, expertise, and research technology, Rolex gemologists are always able to select only the purest of gemstones.
Peerless Attention to Detail
Rolex manufactures one million watches every year. Each watch undergoes a comprehensive research and development process. In addition, these watches are also, in part, hand-assembled and are continuously tested for functionality and durability, ensuring luxurious quality and longevity. This is also why it takes Rolex so long to manufacture its masterpieces.
The company is also renowned for its vertical integration. As a manufacturer of luxurious watches, Rolex has kept each aspect of its watch design – from the inception to the final product, in-house. Throughout the decades, the brand has gradually acquired several watch parts suppliers and other component manufacturers, establishing itself as a powerful, global, and self-sufficient watch watchmaking company with state-of-the-art capabilities of producing elegant and timeless watches.
Moreover, Rolex watches are manufactured in different departments spread throughout Switzerland. With its headquarters in Geneva, the company produces the core elements of its watches in different locations. For example, the cases and bracelets are created near its foundry in Geneva Plan-Les Ouates. Similarly, the movements and mechanical aspects of each watch are done in Rolex's Bienne facility and the dials and gem-setting are all done in Geneva Chêne-Bourg.
Why Are Rolex Watches So Desirable?
One of the primary reasons why Rolex watches are so desirable and popular throughout the world is because they comprise proprietary and truly unique features and innovations. And while other companies create equally luxurious watches, Rolex timepieces are still very unique in terms of form and function. In addition, the company has its in-house team of gem-setters, artisans, metallurgists, mechanical engineers, and chemists, which gives it a remarkable edge in creating timeless masterpieces. It is amongst a handful of prestigious watch brands that have the resources, vision, and innovation to mass-produce exceptional watches and control their distribution.
12-Month Production Time
Considering that Rolex manufactures a million watches every year, it can seem far-fetched to hear that each watch such as the Rolex Day-Date takes one year to manufacture. However, it's true. While it does mass-produce fantastic watches, the company never compromises on the quality of craftsmanship and superior design aesthetics. They have always been focused on creating unique yet durable and precise timepieces.
People Who Wear Iconic Rolex Watches
Michael Jordan
Known as one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the game, Hall of Famer Michael Jordan has won 6 NBA championships throughout his illustrious career and is also known to have singlehandedly increased the popularity of the sport in the early 80s. Having been retired from the game for quite some time, Jordan is still heavily involved in the sport and also previously owned the Charlotte Hornets.
Moreover, Jordan is also reputed to have fine taste in watches and has also been seen wearing classic Rolex watches during his time with the Chicago Bulls. These days, amidst his collection of brilliant and pricey timepieces, is also a platinum Rolex Day-Date.
Bruno Mars
Winner of 15 Grammy Awards for different categories, singer, songwriter, and producer Bruno Mars is best known for his catchy songs and lyrics. Moreover, the singer has also sold more than 100 million records throughout the globe. However, Bruno is also known for his love of luxurious watches and has been seen donning the elegant Rolex Day-Date in yellow gold with a president bracelet and a champagne dial.
Warren Buffett
With an estimated net worth of $115 billion, Warren Buffet is the world's 7th richest man. The 93-year-old is recognized as a visionary investor and entrepreneur, known for his financial expertise and foresight, all of which have helped him develop some of the most successful companies in the world, such as Berkshire Hathaway. Moreover, his holding company has been able to invest in and acquire a slew of reputed American brands and companies.
While he is considered frugal by nature, refraining from lavishing spending, he has occasionally spent a fortune on owning extravagant watches, one of which is the iconic 'President' Rolex Day-Date in 18k yellow gold.
Jay-Z
Hip-hop icon and entrepreneur, Jay-Z is another legendary musical personality who has managed to achieve enormous success and accomplishments not just as a rapper but as a businessman as well. Investing in and owning a series of businesses over the past twenty years, Jay-Z has won more than 20 Grammy Awards in a variety of categories. This is the most number of Grammies any rapper or hip-hop artist has ever achieved.
In addition, the rapper also has the most top-hit singles on the Billboard 200 charts. Jay-Z also owns several businesses such as Rocawear, Tidal, and the 40/40 Club. Known for his elegant taste in the finer things in life, the rapper also has a pretty neat watch collection, which includes the Rolex Day-Date and Cosmography Daytona.
Factors to Keep In Mind When Buying a Preowned Rolex Watch
Always Buy From Authentic Sellers
A critical facet of buying preowned Rolex watches is buying from a trustworthy seller such as Avi & Co. Investing in a preowned Rolex masterpiece is a great opportunity for men and women to make their dreams of prestige and elegance come true.
Make Sure You're Buying an Authentic Rolex
It's unfortunate, but the market for luxurious watches is also flooded by pretty well-made counterfeits, and some fake Rolex timepieces can be very difficult to distinguish from the original. It can be quite tricky to identify a fake bezel, case, bracelet, or dial, which is why you should always buy from a source such as Avi & Co. that has a reputation for only selling authentic watches.
Wear and Tear Inspection
The value of luxury watches is closely tied to their condition. An exceptionally maintained Rolex Day-Date may fetch a better value compared to one that needs significant maintenance. Before you buy a Rolex watch, it is very important to inspect it for any major or minor signs of wear and tear, damage, bracelet scratches, etc. One of the best benefits of buying a watch from a reputed seller is that they may be able to provide you with your watch's service history, indicating whether the timepiece has been serviced by Rolex.
Box and Papers
An original Rolex preowned timepiece should come with the necessary documentation as well as the box it was sold in. Even if there's no box available, you should ask for authentication papers that will show you the item's history and other important ownership information.
Final Words
Rolex watches exude a sense of prestige and glamour. If you're interested in adding to your watch collection or are a first-time buyer, check out the Avi & Co. Rolex watch collection or visit any of our stores near you.