Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date watches are a favorite among watch enthusiasts. This is due to their simple design and easy-to-read display. But they are not always easy to set. That’s why you need to know the basics of setting a Rolex.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date History
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date was the first wristwatch to feature the date. The watch was introduced in 1956. It featured a 36mm case and two windows at 12 o’clock, one for the date and one for the day of the week.
It was powered by caliber 1055, which had a self-winding mechanism. In 1970, it was updated with the Micro-Stella balance, which earned the label “Superidative Chronometer Officially Certified.”
As of 2013, Rolex has introduced new Day-Date models in 36mm. They include a version with a sapphire crystal. This makes the glass nearly scratch proof. There are other bracelet styles as well. Some of the more popular models include the President bracelet.
The President bracelet is available in 18k gold or platinum. This bracelet is also fitted with a concealed Crownclasp. The bracelet is considered rich and associated with wealth.
Rolex was not the first manufacturer of quartz movement watches. But it was the first to make a quartz watch with a day of the week function. And it was the first to offer a three-piece bracelet. These features were a big improvement over the earlier models.
In the 1970s, the quartz crisis hit the watch industry. Quartz movements were expensive and difficult to maintain. A solution to the problem was the “quick-set” feature. Users could adjust the date in a few seconds.
Later on, Rolex started producing quartz-powered Day-Dates. However, they are not common. You can buy a good one for $30,500 on Chrono24. Luckily, there are some vintage examples of the quartz Day-Date.
Day-Dates come in several different metals, including platinum, 18 karat gold, and Everose gold alloy. You can also buy the platinum and Everose gold versions with diamond hour markers.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date number of dates
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date is a renowned watch. It was developed in the 1950s and has become known as “the president’s watch.” Originally, the watch was made in yellow gold and featured two windows displaying the date and day of the week. Eventually, the company added platinum to the range.
As of 2016, the Day-Date uses a reworked version of the caliber 3255. This movement has a higher frequency rate of 28,800 beats per hour. Engineers also optimized 90% of the caliber’s components. In addition to this, they shrank the thickness of the barrel by 50%. Caliber 3255 is protected by 14 patents.
The Oyster Perpetual Day-Date’s case measures 36 millimeters. Previously, the watches had diamond-studded bezels. The Day-Date’s fluted bezel is a cornerstone of Rolex’s aesthetic heritage.
Despite its price, the Day-Date is a highly collectible watch. A platinum model with an ice-blue dial can cost as much as $350,000. However, a vintage Day-Date from the 1970s can sell for as little as $8,000.
Rolex Day-Date watches are available in yellow gold and platinum. They are also complemented with matching bracelets. Since the Day-Date’s introduction, the company has added incremental design enhancements. These include an enlarged day window, a hacking function that stops the seconds hand when the crown is in the last position, and an updated caliber.
Before the 118xxx series came out in 2000, Rolex only offered the Day-Date with a six-digit reference. These were paired with curvy Pearlmaster bracelets. With the advent of the 118xxx series, Rolex introduced more secure clasps and high-polished lugs.
The Day-Date’s arc-shaped day window is located at 12 o’clock. Unlike the Datejust, it doesn’t change the date based on the number of days in a month. To adjust the time, the wearer must make a manual change.
Rolex Day-Date power reserve
The Rolex Day-Date is a dress watch that features an in-house calibre, a day and date display, and a power reserve. Depending on the model, the watch will have a power reserve time between 48 and 72 hours.
The Day-Date was Rolex’s first wristwatch to feature a date. Previously, the Day-Date models had only been water resistant, but in the 1950s, Rolex introduced the world’s first chronometer wristwatch. This watch had a 36mm Oyster case and two windows for the day and month. It was powered by a self-winding movement, and its screw-in crown indicated the date.
Rolex has continued to improve the Day-Date, and today’s models come in a variety of configurations. Some of the newer Day-Dates have a bigger size than their predecessors, and some come with longer power reserve times. There are also more angular cases, as well as new bracelets.
Rolex has developed an in-house caliber called 3255. This new movement offers enhanced accuracy, improved durability, and a 70-hour power reserve. Caliber 3255 also features magnetic-resistant technology. The new movement is protected by 14 patents, and is able to boast a deviation of just -2/+2 seconds per day.
Other noteworthy technical highlights of the new Day-Date models include the blue Parachrom hairspring, which is made of niobium-zirconium alloy. In addition, Rolex has added an innovative Chronergy escapement to the model. By modifying the geometry of the escapement, Rolex claims that the new escapement is 15% more efficient.
The case of the Rolex Day-Date 40 is tapered and thinner than the 41mm version, and has thin lugs. A variety of dial colours are available, including champagne, white, and blue. These watches are available in both 18k gold and platinum. They also come with a selection of leather straps.
Rolex: need not be overwound
If you own a Rolex watch, you might be wondering how to wind your wrist watch without overwinding it. There are a few tricks to help you make this happen.
Luckily, most Rolex watches are self-winding. That is, they can be wound in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. However, some models have to be wound in alternating directions.
When winding a Rolex Oyster, it is a good idea to take care of the screw-down crown. Make sure that the crown is seated flush with the case so that water doesn’t get into the movement. The crown can be unscrewed to the side, but you’ll need to re-screw it in order to lock the crown in place.
You may also want to consider getting a watch winder. These are great for people who don’t wear their watch on a daily basis. They can be used to rotate your watch every few hours throughout the day. This way, you can keep the watch accurate.
When you get a new Rolex, the first thing you should do is to check the crown for any loose threads. To do this, you’ll need to remove the crown and unscrew the stem. Once the crown is free, you’re ready to begin the winding process.
While you’re at it, you might as well check out the Rolex’s rotor. It’s a clever design that protects the watch from moisture and dust.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a bit different. It has a slipping clutch to prevent the main spring from overwinding.
There are other cool tricks and features on Rolex watches, and the watch’s most impressive may be its date change mechanism. You can set the date on your Rolex by pulling the stem, but you might want to wait until after midnight to do so.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date dial texture
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date was the first wristwatch to feature the day of the week. In addition, it was the first watch to display the month and full day of the week on a single dial. The Day-Date was also the first to be water-resistant. This allowed it to be used to measure time and weather conditions.
Since its debut in 1956, the Day-Date has been associated with prestige and success. Today, it is available in precious metals such as platinum, gold, and white gold. Some models are fitted with a sporty bracelet, while others feature the classic Oyster bracelet.
A Day-Date model may have a smooth, fluted, or textured bezel. It is available in a wide range of dial colors and can be paired with a matching bracelet. These watches are waterproof to 100 meters.
The Day-Date comes with a double quickset function, which allows the wearer to adjust the date independently of the time. Caliber 3255, which is used in the Day-Date, has 14 patents. The movement features a hacking seconds feature, which increases accuracy. There are two windows on the dial, one at 12 o’clock for the date, and another at 6 o’clock for the month.
In addition to the Day-Date, the Oysterquartz collection includes models with quartz movements. Both models are produced in the 36mm case, which features the distinctive angular shape. Quartz powered models have a “Oysterquartz” inscribed on the dial.
Rolex also produces a line of “Bark” models with bold dials. The bark texture adds dimension and a unique appearance. Although these models are more expensive than the others, they are a favorite among vintage enthusiasts. They are most commonly found in yellow gold. However, Rolex also makes them in a proprietary rose gold alloy.