Rolex / Day-Date
Rolex Day-Date
Collection profile · 1956
Introduced in 1956, the Rolex Day-Date was the first wristwatch to display both the date and the day of the week spelled out in full on the dial. Made only in precious metals and closely tied to the President bracelet, it has become Rolex’s flagship dress watch and one of the brand’s most recognizable status pieces.
Collection shots
Pronunciation & name
day-date
Why it matters
The Day-Date matters because it crystallizes many of Rolex’s core ideas in one model: waterproof Oyster architecture, automatic winding, calendar innovation, precious-metal exclusivity and the President bracelet. It is also one of the few watches whose cultural reputation reaches beyond watch collecting, giving it a rare mix of horological importance and broad public recognition.
Key references
Collection timeline
- 1956 — Rolex launches the Day-Date as the first wristwatch to show both the date and the day of the week spelled out in full.
- 1973 — Rolex expands the Day-Date’s day disc offering to 26 languages, reinforcing the model’s international identity.
- 1988 — Reference 18238 is introduced, bringing the five-digit Day-Date generation and calibre 3155 with double quick-set functionality.
- 2015 — Rolex introduces the Day-Date 40 and applies its redefined Superlative Chronometer standards to the fully assembled watch.
- 2019 — Rolex updates the Day-Date 36 with calibre 3255 and launches new ombré, stone and gem-set dial executions.
- 2024 — Rolex adds new Day-Date 36 and Day-Date 40 variations, including ombré dials on Day-Date 40 for the first time.
News
- Rolex presents a new generation of Day-Date 36 2019 — Rolex introduced updated Day-Date 36 models with new dial executions and, for the first time in this size, calibre 3255. ↗
- The new Day-Date 36: Every dial a discovery 2023 — Rolex unveiled new Day-Date 36 variants emphasizing ornamental stone and gem-set dial craftsmanship within the classic collection. ↗
- The new Day-Date: Harmonious variations 2024 — Rolex expanded the Day-Date line with new Day-Date 36 and Day-Date 40 versions, including ombré dials on the Day-Date 40 for the first time. ↗
- Exceptional watches: Day-Date 40 & Cosmograph Daytona 2025 — Rolex highlighted an exceptional Day-Date 40 using its new Jubilee Gold alloy, positioning the model at the expressive high end of the catalog. ↗
Fun facts
Collector note 1
Rolex says the Day-Date’s day display has been available in 26 languages since 1973.
Collector note 2
The President bracelet was created specifically for the Day-Date at the model’s 1956 launch.
FAQ
What is special about the Rolex Day-Date?
It was the first wristwatch to display both the date and the day of the week written out in full, and Rolex has kept it exclusive to precious metals.
Why is the Day-Date called the President watch?
The nickname comes from the model’s long association with prominent political and cultural figures and from the President bracelet created for the Day-Date at launch in 1956.
Is the Rolex Day-Date always made in precious metal?
Yes. Rolex states that the Day-Date has only ever been made in precious metals, including yellow, white and Everose gold, as well as platinum.
What sizes does the modern Day-Date come in?
The current collection is offered in 36 mm and 40 mm sizes.
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