Jul 13,2015
Affectionately known as the Presidents’ Watch, the original Oyster Perpetual Day-Date was introduced to the world in 1956 as the first waterproof, self-winding chronometer watch with both instantaneous date and day of the week apertures on the dial. It has earned its nickname for being the top watch choice among presidents and world leaders.
Rolex’s new Day-Date 40 presented at this year’s Baselworld is ever so slightly smaller than its predecessor, the Day-Date II, with a 40mm case replacing the original 41mm size and is exclusively crafted in only the finest of materials – 950 platinum, Rolex’s patented Everose gold, 18k white or yellow gold. Only the best for those with the most discerning of tastes.
The face of the new Day-Date 40 has been given a subtle makeover for an even more attractive look. The new dial options are superb with thin, laser-etched patterns on a traditional sunray dial with a variety of motifs including stripe, diagonal and quadrant. These decorative elements lend a refined richness to the piece, while dial color choices consist of ice blue, sundust, champagne, silver, chocolate and black. And of course, diamonds are always an option.
Not satisfied with just giving the dial a makeover, the hour-markers have also been modified. Faceted and deconstructed Roman numerals – that have been meticulously placed by hand – strike a perfect balance between traditional elegance and modern masculinity. Stick indexes are also available on some models of the Day-Date 40 for an even more contemporary style.
Perhaps the most recognizable element of the Presidents’ Watch is the bracelet – the semi-circular three-piece links metal bracelet that was invented for the original 1956 Oyster Perpetual Day-Date. For the latest edition of the Day-Date, Rolex has improved upon the President bracelet by outfitting the links with ceramic inserts for a more flexible yet robust version. This offsets the possibility of the bracelet stretching-out after years of use and therefore can be enjoyed across several generations. To create a more seamless connection between the case and bracelet, a new hidden attachment underneath the bezel was added. Finishing off the enhanced bracelet is a new folding Crownclasp, only visible once opened via the hinged Rolex crown.
Driving the new Day-Date 40 is Rolex’s new-generation movement, the in-house developed and built Caliber 3255 that boasts 14 patents, improvements on 90% of its components, twice the precision of an official chronometer and a 70-hour power reserve. This is certainly a game changer for Rolex Watches.
Although new to the scene, the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 will soon become a legend in its own right.