Introduction to the Rolex Day Date and Its Brief History
The Rolex Day Date was the first wristwatch to display the whole date, not just the month and day of the week. It was revolutionary for its day, and other high-end watchmakers soon followed suit, testifying to Rolex’s ongoing influence. The first set of references was the 6510 and 6511 sets. Rolex discontinued the 16xx series in 1959.
They replaced it with the 18xx series, which lasted until the 1970s. The acrylic crystal, 36mm case, President strap, and angled Pie Pan dial characterize the 4-digit series. In 1972, Cal. 1556 first implemented hacking seconds. Rolex introduced the 41mm Day-Date II in 2008. With the release of Day-Date 40.
To what end is the Day-Date referred to as the “President’sWatch”?
Like many other Rolex models, the Day-Date is famous by various endearing monikers among its numerous fans. Oyster introduced the “Oyster Perpetual Day-Date” in 1956, but they changed the name shortly after its release. Along with it came the first ever President Bracelet, which had semicircular links. The term “President” originally referred to the bracelet before the full watch adopted it. Although Rolex now technically recognizes the “President” appellation for bracelet type, it remains an unofficial nickname. Many U.S. presidents, including Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, and Ronald Reagan, wore this watch. M Marilyn Monroe gifted JFK a classic one.
Rolex Day-Date ref. 18238: Movements, Dials, and Bracelets
Movements
One difference separates the 3055 and 3155. Glucydur balancing wheel and Nivarox hairspring with Breguet overcoil remain. A balancing cock was replaced with a balance bridge for more excellent reliability. Constant 48-hour power reserve. It measures 28.5mm by 6.0mm and is 0.3mm thinner than its predecessor.
Dials
Most Rolex watches have champagne dials to match the casing and band. Several presidents wear this watch. Popular dials were black, white, silver, and blue. Roman and Arabic number batons are also there—the ref. 182XX range’s day-of-week display now offers 25 languages, up from 24. Rarer dials include Jubilee and Vignette.
Bracelets
18238ref 18k yellow gold President bracelets commonly have a Day Date. This metal band is the best of Rolex’s three choices. Hollow interior polished links. Crownclasp secures the watch invisibly, with just the Rolex crown showing. Customized leather straps were alternatives. Changing Day-Date wristbands was harder without lug holes.
Specifications
| Referral Number | 118238 |
|---|---|
| Year of Inception | 2000 |
| Case size | 36mm |
| Materials | Yellow Gold 18k |
| Resistance to Water | 330 feet or 100 meters |
| Band or Bracelet | President Bracelet or oyster bracelet |
| Dial | Multiple Alternatives |
| Bezel | Fixed, Fluted Style, 18k Yellow Gold |
| The Crystal | Flat with Cyclops Lens) Sapphire |
| Functions | Date, Day, and Time with Running Seconds |
| Movement | Caliber 3155 Rolex |
| Price Range (USD) | Between $24,000 and $43,000. (Pre-Owned) |
Care and Maintenance
This mechanical timepiece needs special care. The company recommends service every three to five years. You should also wear it regularly or use a watch winder to keep it running and save time. Avoid magnetic fields and extreme temperatures.
Rolex day-date warranty
The Rolex Day Date comes with a standard two-year manufacturer’s warranty. It is the industry average, although Rolex manufacture failures are unusual. If they happen, they’ll be apparent within the warranty term. Regularly serviced Rolex watches come with a two-year guarantee.
Pros
â—Ź Constant adaptability
â—Ź A surprising degree of wearability for a timepiece that weighs over 200 grams.
â—Ź Sturdy and dependable automated mechanism
Cons
â—Ź The primary, polished casing is below the dial and band.
â—Ź Sapphire requires an anti-reflective coating.
â—Ź An all-Everose-gold design, which may turn off some.
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