subject: The Rolex Day Date President [print this page] It was as if all ideals of power, prestige, and influence were distilled and concentrated in one remarkable timepiece when the Rolex Day Date was first launched in the 1956 BaselWorld. For this reason, Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf thought it fitting to gift the newly elected U.S. President of the time, Dwight Eisenhower, with the stunning gold timepiece. Since then, the Rolex Day Date became the veritable symbol of the highest seat in the most powerful government of the world, earning the name, "President". This fierce reputation resulted in one of the most memorable advertising campaigns in history, promoting the Rolex Day Date President as the timepiece for "men who guide the destinies of the world."
The 1956 BaselWorld showcased the 6511 Rolex Day Date President model, offered in 18k yellow gold and platinum models only. It was fitted with an improved bracelet based on the Oyster design, named the President bracelet, which features a greater number of links for a more comfortable and secure fit. The demand for the powerful-looking timepiece rapidly caught on, prompting Rolex to release the Rolex Day Date President 6611 installed with a new movement. This movement was the first Rolex timepiece to be engraved with the words "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" on its dial, making it even more valuable and special not only to watch enthusiasts and watch collectors, but for those who hold true quality and perfection in high regard.
During the 1970s, the Rolex Day Date President underwent several microtechnological improvements, including the addition of the "hack" feature, which allows the second hand to be completely halted, making synchronization with other watches easier. The Quick Set and the Double Quick Set features were subsequently added, enabling the independent adjustment of the day and date functions respectively.
Currently, the Rolex Day Date President is considered as one of the flagship models of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual line, exhibiting remarkable balance between classic, timeless design and superior, cutting-edge technology. Modern versions come in 36mm, offered in the following editions: (1) an 18k yellow gold model with a white dial and a fluted bezel; (2) an 18k white gold model with a rhodium dial, diamond hour markers, and a fluted bezel; (3) an 18k everose gold model with a pink dial and a domed bezel; (4) and a platinum model with an ice-blue dial and a domed bezel. All Rolex Day Date President timepieces are fitted with an exquisitely designed President bracelet, engineered to provide the best, most comfortable, and most secure fit in a unique, classy, and stylish architecture.
Internally, the Rolex Day Date President is powered by only the best in horological microtechnology, common to all watches in the illustrious Rolex Oyster Perpetual line. A self-winding 3155 calibre movement certified by the Contrle Officiel Suisse des Chronomtres, or COSC, as a superlative chronometer beats at the heart of the Rolex Day Date President. This certification guarantees accurate timekeeping and reliable performance regardless of location or extreme changes in environmental condition. A slim yet durable sapphire crystal guards the Rolex Day Date Presidents dial from scratches and dust build-ups, and a distinctive Cyclops lens is set on its 3 oclock position to conveniently magnify the date numeral underneath. On the dials 12 oclock position is the day aperture where the current day is displayed, made available by Rolex in 26 languages. Perpetuating the Rolex Oyster legacy is its hermetically sealed caseback measuring a torque of five Newton meters, which renders the Rolex Day Date President waterproof for up to a depth of 330 feet or 100 meters.
