Rolex Day-Date Ideal accomplishments

At its launch in 1956, the Day-Date was a major innovation: it was the first calendar wristwatch to indicate, in addition to the date, the day of the week spelt out in full in an arc-shaped window at 12 o’clock on the dial – a technical feat at the time. Made exclusively of precious metals – 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold or 950 platinum – and accompanied by its emblematic President bracelet, its multiple dials make it the ideal canvas for self-expression.

When midnight strikes, the day and date simultaneously change in their respective windows on the dial. This watchmaking feat, the “miracle of midnight”, relies on a disc mechanism. It is the fruit of numerous years of research: from 1950 to 1955 Rolex registered four patents for timepieces featuring an indication of day and date.

Today, the Day-Date is equipped with calibre 3255, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex for a superlative level of performance.

Worn by many of the world’s political figures, directors and visionaries, the Day-Date is instantly recognizable, in particular thanks to its emblematic President bracelet, whose evocative name, together with the eminent figures who have worn it, ensured the Day-Date became known as the “presidents’ watch”.

Decades come and go, but the Day-Date remains where it has always been – at the cutting edge of modernity. A timepiece of prestige and the fruit of Rolex's watchmaking expertise, the Day-Date accompanies those personalities who shape the world in their respective disciplines through their commitment, human qualities and creative genius.

Among the Rolex Testimonees associated with the Day-Date, the brand celebrates American skier Lindsey Vonn, Swiss tennis player Roger Federer, American filmmaker Martin Scorsese and golfers Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.