A Rolex watch is often instantly recognisable, even from a distance, owing much to its inherent qualities, such as the sturdy Oyster case that proves that form and function aren’t mutually exclusive, with its surface meticulously polished to dazzle with sensuality when struck by a ray of light.
This observation can be explained when one holds up the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date with a fluted bezel – a Rolex creation that has withstood the test of time and become an iconic representation of all calendar watches, since the collection’s introduction in 1956. The Day-Date was a major innovation; it was the first calendar wristwatch to indicate, in addition to the date, the day of the week spelt out in full in an arc-shaped window at 12 o’clock – a technical feat at the time.
Adored by political heavyweights and corporate bigwigs, the Day-Date is colloquially referred to as the presidents’ watch thanks to its legion of dignified fans, as well as the accompanying President bracelet characterised by its three-link construction, raised outer surface and concealed folding Crownclasp. Today, the Day-Date’s emblematic day of the week indicator is available in a staggering 26 different languages, where each watch is only made of precious metals, spanning 18k yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold and 950 platinum.
This year, Rolex continues its tradition of fine-tuning its collections and presents to collectors worldwide the new generation of the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36, notable for the addition of an audacious graduated dial offered in two variations. The first variant in 18k yellow gold is paired with a green ombré dial, while the second variant in 18k Everose gold is paired with a brown ombré dial. Both models have diamond-set 18k gold hour markers. The arrangement of baguette-cut diamonds at 6 and 9 o’clock is an exclusive aesthetic of the Day-Date collection, not replicated in any other Rolex collection.
Beyond the surface, Rolex has taken the decision to incorporate for the very first time its trusted in-house Calibre 3255 into the new Day-Date 36. The automatic movement is a product of Rolex’s insatiable quest for perfection and contains several patented technologies, including a Chronergy escapement, a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers, resulting in improved energy management, invulnerability to magnetism and enhanced resistance to shocks respectively. The efficiency of this movement leads to an extended power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Like all Rolex watches, the Day-Date 36 is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification, which means its precision never strays beyond −2/+2 seconds per day.