In 2015, the noted auctioneer Aurel Bacs remarked: “To me personally, the Rolex Day Date President does it all. If I was sent away from home for one year and I could only take one watch with me that would be a perfect companion for business meetings, swimming on the beach, formal and casual wear, the Rolex Day-Date would certainly be one of the most promising and competitive finalists in this selection process, for sure.”

When the Rolex Day Date President was introduced in 1956, Rolex had just about given up on trying to compete with Patek and Vacheron in manufacturing complicated timepieces. There was actually doubt at Rolex as to whether the Day Date would find acceptance in the marketplace. Happily, the Day Date – with its impressive presence on the wrist and solid gold president bracelet – struck a chord with consumers and became one of the company’s top sellers.

First References of the Rolex Day Date President

The Day-Date has always been self-winding, waterproof, and tells its wearer the day and date. Furthermore, over the course of its 65-year history, the Day-Date has been assembled utilizing an incredible combination of watch dials, case metals, and bracelets that make collecting these spectacular timepieces incredibly fun and rewarding.

After the Ref. 6511 came the Ref. 6611. The only difference between the two models was that Ref. 6611 was the first Rolex Day Date to be chronometer tested and certified.

Iconic Rolex Day Date President Watch

Although Presidents such as FDR had worn Rolex watches in the past, a Rolex Day Date Ref. 6611 was presented to Dwight D. Eisenhower on the occasion of his re-election to a second term. Soon thereafter, the Day Date came to be known simply as the “President”. Today, these very early Rolex Day Date President watches are extremely rare and collectible, especially when found in mint condition.

Moving into the 1960s, Rolex continued to offer the Rolex Day Date President with an incredible array of bracelets and dials. Three of the most popular and most often encountered models are Ref. 1802, Ref. 1803, and Ref. 1804 (very rare and only offered in platinum). During the 1960s, as the Rolex President continued to find its way onto the wrists of athletes (golfer Jack Nicklaus famously owned a Day-Date for nearly 50 years), actors, and Presidents. Needless to say, it eventually became the most recognizable luxury timepiece in the world.

The Rolex Day Date Becomes The “Crown Collection”

Moving into the late 1970s, Rolex began to offer extravagant gem-set Day Dates as the company debuted the “Crown Collection”. Today, we find a number of fascinating gem-set models.

As the 1970s gave way to the early 1980s, Rolex’s numbering system for references went from four to five. The reason? Rolex debuted a new Quickset feature (where the date could be set, independent of the time). During this time the Rolex Day Date President also became the quintessential status symbol for the Baby Boomer generation. In 1990, Rolex once again upgraded the Day Date, by introducing a Double Quickset feature – whereby both the Day and Date could be independently set.

In closing, the Rolex Day Date President is as timeless in 2020 as it was back in 1956.

So, if you are looking for a new or modern pre-owned Rolex Day Date President, or a vintage example, perhaps, please don’t hesitate to call. We here at DeMesy & Co. are always happy to “talk watches” — and the Day-Date is one of our favorites.

Until next time,

Joe

Joe DeMesy is the owner and President of DeMesy & Co. in Dallas, Texas- One of the largest dealers of vintage and contemporary luxury timepieces. He has been actively involved in the pocket watch and wristwatch market since 1979 and is well known by dealers and collectors throughout the world. Joe is a member of the International Watch & Jewelry Guild (IWJG), as well as the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC). His company has been featured as one of Inc. Magazine’s 5000 fastest-growing, privately-held businesses in America.

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