Ready to explore and learn about the iconic Rolex Day-Date? Want to peruse an extensive curated collection of pre-owned Rolex Day-Date watches? You have come to the right place with Bezel. Also known as the Rolex President, this was the very first wristwatch with the movement and dial to indicate the numerical date and spell out the day of the week in full. A timepiece of exceptionally bold design, it has earned legendary status among serious collectors for its unique blend of luxury, accuracy, function, and durability.
The Legacy of Rolex Day-Date Watches
Rolex released its first Day-Date watch in 1956. It was one of the company’s last major innovations seen by its founder, Hans Wilsdorf, who passed away just four years later. The ability of the Rolex Day-Date to display both the current date and the current day of the week garnered it an outstanding reputation as a highly functional and useful luxury watch for everyday wear.
Designed as a symbol of refinement and success, the Rolex Day-Date went on to grace the wrists of many powerful and influential leaders. Although it didn’t bear the name at the time of its release, Rolex’s iconic “President” bracelet was paired with all early Rolex Day-Date models. Rolex began to publicly embrace the brand term “President” in the mid-1960s after Lyndon B Johnson wore one during his presidential term. In fact, Johnson was the first US president to wear a Rolex of any kind while in office, and he reportedly gave his chosen Rolex Day-Date model to several close friends.
Since Johnson’s era, other US presidents and leaders of all kinds from around the world have sported the Rolex Day-Date. Although it is unclear whether Rolex’s early "President" branding efforts applied to the entire Rolex Day-Date or simply its bracelet, the name “President” remains synonymous with the name “Rolex Day-Date” to this day.
The Timeless Quality of the Rolex Day-Date
The earliest incarnations of the Rolex Day-Date, the domed bezel 6510 and the fluted bezel 6511 lasted only a year in active production before giving way to the successive 6611, which featured an updated caliber with free-sprung balance and micro-stella adjustment. Both of these watches have a case size of 36 millimeters and are available in platinum or 18-carat gold.
What Does a Rolex Day-Date Cost
The Day-Date is a highly sought-after Rolex model with a cult following. The collection is made exclusively from precious metals like gold and platinum, which adds to its value. It is quite a prestigious timepiece, so prices tend to be high both in the retail and secondary markets. Unsurprisingly, the answer to the question of how much a Rolex Day Date costs isn’t quite straightforward. It depends on a range of details, as highlighted below.
Retail Cost
To purchase a brand new Rolex Day-date from an authorized dealer, you can expect to spend between $35,000 and $38,500 for the cheapest models. However, the retail prices can increase significantly depending on the case and bracelet materials, dial type, case size, and other factors.
For instance, a white gold, 40mm ref. 228239 Day-Date may cost about $48,000 in the retail market. However, if you’re willing to go for a slightly smaller timepiece (say 36mm) in a different material like Yellow gold, you may cut the cost by roughly $4,000. Interestingly, a similar Day-Date Rolex made from Platinum material, such as the 41-mm ref. 218206 may cost twice that amount in retail, selling for over 88,000 USD.
Secondary market prices
Pricing in the secondary market is influenced by a different set of factors, including the age of the timepiece, condition, rarity, style, and materials. The average cost of a preowned Rolex Day-Date model in the secondary market is around $30,000. However, prices may swing between about $9,000 on the low end up to over $110,000 for the rarest models.
Key Features of Rolex Day-Date Watches
Iconic Status and Design
The Rolex Day-Date, often referred to as the "President," is a symbol of success and prestige, having graced the wrists of several American Presidents. Introduced in 1956, it was the first watch to feature both the day and date on its dial. This iconic timepiece is not just a watch but a statement of achievement, making it highly sought after in the world of luxury watches.
Precision and Durability
Renowned for its precision and durability, the Rolex Day-Date is powered by Rolex's in-house Perpetual movement. Over the years, it has seen various upgrades in its movement, from the Caliber 1555 in early models like the 1803 to the advanced Caliber 3255 in current models. These movements are celebrated for their accuracy and include features like the quickset function and a Breguet overcoil, enhancing the watch's functionality and reliability.
Variety in Design and Materials
The Day-Date stands out for its variety in design and materials. It offers an array of dial choices, ranging from classic to contemporary designs, and is available in luxurious materials like yellow, white, and Everose gold, as well as platinum. The watch is available in three case sizes - 36mm, 40mm, and 41mm, catering to different preferences and styles.
Unique Features and Innovations
Rolex Day-Date models are distinguished by their unique features and innovations. For instance, the 18038 model introduced a single quickset function for the date, while the 18238 added a double quickset for both the day and date. Each model is identified by a unique reference number engraved between the lugs, which indicates its design variations and materials.
Consistent Aesthetic and Craftsmanship
Despite its evolution over the years, the Rolex Day-Date has steadfastly maintained the elegant aesthetic fundamentals that initially established it as an instant classic. It embodies Rolex’s legendary precision and self-winding perpetual movement, along with the brand's commitment to extraordinarily detailed craftsmanship, making it a timeless piece in the luxury watch world.
Investment Value
The Rolex Day-Date is not only a masterpiece of watchmaking but also a valuable investment. Known for maintaining its value over time, the price of a Day-Date can vary significantly based on its condition, size, and material, reflecting its quality and exclusivity. This enduring value makes it a favored choice among collectors and watch enthusiasts.
Popular Rolex Day-Date Reference Models
Timepiece manufacturers and collectors alike refer to the specific model numbers that are etched into the cases of the Day-Date and other Rolex lines. Each reference number identifies specific distinctive features, design elements, and materials that differentiate that watch from others.
Some of Rolex’s most popular reference models for the Day-Date include the following:
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Why Bezel Is the Top Choice for Rolex Day-Date Watches and Other Timepieces
Beyond our commitment to exceptionally low seller fees, Bezel sets itself apart in the luxury wristwatch industry through our extensive inventory. Our Rolex Day-Date collection contains some of the most sought-after timepiece models ever produced. Whether you are an experienced horological collector or a first-time luxury watch buyer, we have concierge services to meet your specific wants and needs.
Our highly advanced online platform is also extremely versatile and helpful. Although you can access this platform on a traditional computer using an internet browser, the best way to browse for a pre-owned luxury watch is through the Bezel App, which allows you to shop for a specific model or filter general searches by brand, price, color, material, and other specific watch characteristics.
No matter which timepiece you choose, Bezel’s thorough in-house authentication process guarantees that you receive exactly what you paid for. We employ experts from famous luxury auction houses such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s to set new industry standards for rigorous timepiece authentication. Furthermore, Bezel guarantees full authentication and customer satisfaction through its comprehensive Buyer Protection Policy. This policy ensures that all items purchased through Bezel come to your door with all advertised qualities and features.
