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The Rolex Day-Date series, launched in 1956, was the first wristwatch to combine a date and day display on the dial. Similar to the Rolex Datejust, this model added the day as well as the date for even more convenience for the wearer. On each timepiece, the date window with magnifying glass is featured at 3 o'clock and a day window is featured at 12 o' clock.
As part of the Oyster Perpetual series, the Day-Date is now available in 26 languages making it a truly universal watch which is also personal to its wearer. The Oyster case also protects the movement from potentially damaging environmental factors, including water and dust. Rolex claims that the Day-Date is one of the brand's most luxurious and prestigious models, as it is only available exclusively in gold or platinum.
The ‘Presidents’ Watch’
Since its creation in 1956, the Day-Date has been worn by many influential leaders of the world. While the model is best known for its recognisable day and date dial features, it’s also known for its specially designed President bracelet. At the height of excellence, the President bracelet is only available in precious metal, platinum or gold.
Over the years there have been many famous Rolex wearers such as actor Paul Newman sporting a Daytona and UK Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill wearing a Datejust. However, the Day-Date wristwatch has been worn by many US Presidents so it also became known as the ‘Rolex President’.
Lyndon B Johnson, who became US President in 1963, wore a Rolex Day-Date yellow gold model with the latest President bracelet. President John F Kennedy received a Rolex Day-Date in the 1960s from the movie star Marilyn Monroe. However, it remained hidden for decades as the gift was deemed improper for a president of the United States. Other Former US Presidents Nixon, Reagan, Ford, and Trump have also Day-Date as well.
Rolex Day-Date Prices
So how much does a Rolex Day-Date cost? The price depends on the model in question and its condition, age, and much more. There are some vintage Rolex Day-Date watches from pre-owned watch specialists that are priced close to £10,000 or under.
Models from more recent collections command a much higher investment. For example, a Day-Date Ref 228238 in yellow gold with fluted bezel would cost in the region of £45,000. Models in platinum are nearing 6 figures, for example the Day-Date Ref 218206 in platinum with polished bezel would sell for around £72,000.
Rare models, such as the Rolex Oysterquartz Day-date Octopus 19168 can sell in the region of £150,000.
The Day-Date, Day-Date II & Day-Date 40 as an Investment
A Rolex Day-Date is an excellent investment. The Day-Date has become a coveted collectors' watch over the years and there are a few variations on the market today.
Watch collectors can choose a variety of versions of the Day-Date to suit them and each is a great investment for the future. The original Day-Date owners can enjoy the classic elegant 36mm watch. Day-Date II is a bigger version of the Day-Date released in 2008 at 41mm, which essentially has the same characteristics as its predecessor. After Day-Date II was discontinued, the Day-Date 40 was revealed in 40mm.
While all Day-Date watches are a great investment, since the Day-Date II was discontinued in 2015 these discontinued models are quite sought after and there are many pre-owned Day-Date II watches that are priced at five figures.
Several other factors, including its opulent materials, its unique dial and its extreme reliability, make the Day-Date a great investment piece. Made in 18k gold or platinum, the Day-Date is not going to lose its value. Even if you pay a little more for such a luxurious and high quality watch, it is a good investment, as it has consistently achieved an excellent resale value.
Aside from the US Presidents who have worn a Day-Date, other leading figures over the years have been spotted wearing various models, including the Dalai Lama, Pope John Paul II and Fidel Castro. The American business magnate Warren Buffett, who has an estimated net worth of $103.2 billion, has been seen wearing a Rolex Day-Date.
Named as the third-richest man in the world, he has chosen the Rolex Day-Date yellow gold model, known as the President watch, and resplendent in 18k gold.
