The Rolex Day Date now known as The President debuted in 1956. It is the only Rolex model with a Day feature. All Rolex Day Date’s were offered in precious metals, 18K Yellow and the rare White Gold model. Platinum was also available and very rare in the early days. The original size of the Day Date has always been 36mm. Rolex felt that a watch should fit the wrist properly with a top visual of the bracelet to be seen on both sides of the case. Rolex has always been slow to change especially with oversized clunky timepieces other brands had adopted early on.
The Day Date 40 debuted at Baselworld in 2015. Previous years when Rolex manufactured the Day Date II measuring 41mm, the overall appearance was not proportioned. The bracelet deemed too narrow making the case of the watch appear too big on the wrist. The wide fluted bezel didn’t help matters either, but overall it was a great seller.
The 40mm version is what I call the perfectly proportionate Rolex Day Date. Everything is in line and actually looks more like a true big brother to the 36mm version. Instead of looking like a bouncer standing outside of a nightclub. The President as so many call it, is still offered in 18K Yellow and White Gold along with Rolexes Everose and Platinum.
The new Day Date 40 not only debuted it’s new size and array of dial options, the new Caliber 3255 was introducted with its 31 jewel movement and 70 hour power reserve. Now that is something to celebrate about! Rolex holds 14 patents to the Caliber 3255. The movement is 90% new with very litter carrier over from the 3155.
The new Day Date 40 will certainly be a big hit with so many wanting a larger watch on the wrist, yet still fit under and nice cuff shirt. They are not only for men anymore, as many women are buying the larger Rolexes not just for fashion, but to be seen.
Anyone will definitely be making a statement with the new Rolex Day Date 40 for years to come.
Retail: $34,250 (with no diamonds)