Since its introduction in 1956, the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date has evolved into one of the most technologically innovative, prestigious, and sought- after timepieces in the history of watchmaking.

Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40

More than it being the first watch to indicate, in addition to the date, the day of the week spelt out in full in a window on the dial, it also represented the pinnacle of an ideal, combining prestige with the perpetual quest for watchmaking excellence.

The Day-Date has only ever been made from precious materials – 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold, or 950 platinum – and has been known as the ‘presidents’ watch’ for the number of eminent figures who have worn it. And in accordance with this accolade, the Day-Date features the President bracelet, created especially for the model, made in solid 18 ct gold or 950 platinum with three semi- circular links that provides complete reliability and comfort.

The President bracelet is fitted with a concealed Crownclasp, developed by Rolex and patented, which opens with a hinged Rolex crown, providing a final aesthetic and functional touch. The bracelet includes ceramic inserts – designed by the brand and patented – inside the links to enhance its flexibility and longevity.

As its name implies, the Day-Date displays the day of the week spelt out in full in an arc-shaped window at 12 o’clock in addition to the date in a separate window at 3 o’clock. The disc mechanisms allow the day and date to change simultaneously and instantaneously. The indication of the Day-Date (available in 26 languages) is also equipped with a mechanism allowing rapid adjustment of the day and the date using the winding crown. As elegant as the Day-Date presents itself, the watch is notably hardy and perfect for every-day wear.

The Day-Date’s Oyster case, 36 or 40 mm in diameter, is guaranteed to be waterproof to a depth of 100m. The middle case is crafted from a solid block of 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold, or 950 platinum. The case back is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that grants only certified Rolex watchmakers access to the movement. The Twinlock winding crown, fitted with a double waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case.

The bezel can be fluted or set with diamonds. The date display at 3 o’clock is magnified by a Cyclops lens on the crystal, which is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and benefits from an anti-reflective coating.

Regardless of case-size, the Day-Date comes equipped with calibre 3255, a multi-patented, self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex offering performance, particularly in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability. Calibre 3255 incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, made of nickel-phosphorus, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability and is also resistant to strong magnetic fields. The movement is fitted with the blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy.

In addition to resisting strong magnetic fields, this hairspring offers great stability in the face of temperature variations as well as high resistance to shocks. It is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position.

Calibre 3255 is equipped with a self-winding system via a Perpetual rotor, which ensures continuous winding of the mainspring by harnessing the movements of the wrist to provide a constant source of energy. Its oscillating weight has been fitted with an optimized ball bearing since 2023.

Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of this movement extends to approximately 70 hours.

The Day-Date’s movement will be seen only by certified Rolex watchmakers, yet it is beautifully finished and decorated. Since 2023, it has also been  marked with the words ‘Chronometer Perpetual’ and ‘Superlative Adjusted’ engraved respectively on the oscillating weight and on the bridges. Like all Rolex watches, the Day-Date is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015.

These certification tests apply to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. 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.

Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40