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 – a technical feat at the time. The indication of the day of the week is available in a choice of 26 languages. Watches in the Day-Date range are made only in precious metals – 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold or 950 platinum.

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”.

Like all models in the prestigious Day-Date range, the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 is made only of precious metals. In addition to the date, it indicates the day of the week spelt out in full in a window on the dial.

THE OYSTER CASE – SYMBOL OF WATERPROOFNESS

A paragon of robustness and elegance, the Oyster case of the Day-Date 36 is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). Its middle case is crafted from a solid block of 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The winding crown, fitted with the Twinlock double waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and is fitted with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimum protection for the Day-Date 36’s high-precision movement.

PERPETUAL CALIBRE 3255

The new versions of the Day-Date 36 are equipped with calibre 3255, a new-generation movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. A consummate demonstration of technology, at the forefront of the art of watchmaking, this self-winding mechanical movement led to the filing of several patents and offers fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability.

Calibre 3255 incorporates the Chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic interference. The movement is fitted with an optimized blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive paramagnetic alloy that makes it up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. The oscillator is fitted on the Rolex-designed and -patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance.

Calibre 3255 is equipped with a self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 3255 extends to approximately 70 hours. This calibre equips the Day-Date 36 for the first time.

PRESIDENT BRACELET

These versions of the Day-Date 36 are fitted with a President bracelet in 18 ct gold. The three-piece link President bracelet, created specially for the launch of the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date in 1956, is still reserved exclusively for the Day-Date range and to particular versions of the Datejust.

On these new versions, the President bracelet is equipped with an elegant concealed folding Crownclasp and includes ceramic inserts inside the links to enhance its flexibility and longevity.

A concealed attachment system ensures seamless visual continuity between the bracelet and case.

THE DAY-DATE – SUPERLATIVNE CHRONOMETER

Like all Rolex watches, each Day-Date 36 is certified as a Superlative Chronometer. This exclusive designation attests that it has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories and according to its own criteria, which exceed watchmaking norms and standards. These tests are carried out on the fully assembled watch, in order to guarantee its superlative performance on the wrist.

The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.