Description

The “Day-Date” was introduced to the world in 1956, a novelty at the time for a wristwatch to display simultaneously the day and date.  Initially released in precious metal only under references 6510 and 6511, replaced a year later by the reference 6611.
Following reference of the Day-Date is the 1803 which was in production until 1978, made available on leather strap and signature bracelet.
Among the influential figures to have adopted this model are notably famous American President from there it soon became known as the Rolex President model also due to its newly created bracelet which was referred by the brand as such in their early advertisements.
Ensued the advanced reference 18038 with better finishing, upgraded movement and easy function setting that was available until 1988, during that time the weekdays displayed on the dial were available in around 24 to 25 languages.

In parallel during the quartz era, the Day-Date Oysterquartz series was launched under the 19000 series, in production from 1977 to 2001.
From 1988 the big upgrade with caliber 3155 for the 18200-series with the very popular 18238 yellow gold with President bracelet and the notably signature fluted bezel.   By the year 2000, a new bracelet variation was introduced under the 118000.
The modern Day-Date II as we know today was launched around 2008, reference 218238 unmistakable by its jumbo size of 41mm, replaced in 2015 by a 1mm smaller case size with reference 228238, a more fitting proportion for the average wrist, comfortable and elegant, its accuracy is optimal and power reserve increased to ±70 hours.

This timepiece has a 40mm yellow gold monobloc case with a bezel set with rubies. The diamond paved dial reveals roman numerals set with rubies and central hands are indicating the hours and minutes on it. The day window is at 12 o’clock while the date window is at 3 o’clock.

A rarely seen model and cherished by collectors of special Rolex  watches.

Rolex – bio

Founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, initially as Wilsdorf & Davis Ltd. Renamed Rolex by 1908 and moved its base of operations to Geneva, Switzerland in 1919.  Their success is due to their innovation namely the legendary “Oyster” case – first water resistant watch and their extremely reliable movements.
The most famous models are Datejust, Day-Date, Daytona, Explorer, GMT-Master, Submariner and many more.
The company is owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, a family private trust.
One story, never confirmed by Wilsdorf, recounts that the name came from the French words “horlogerie exquise”‘è, meaning “exquisite clockwork”.