The Watch That Named Itself After the Office
The Rolex Day-Date, universally known as “The President,” has been worn by more world leaders, heads of state, and captains of industry than any other single watch model in history. Introduced in 1956 as the Ref. 6511, it was the first wristwatch to display both the day of the week (spelled out in full) and the date through windows on the dial. Sixty-seven years later, it remains the cornerstone of Rolex’s precious-metal lineup — available exclusively in gold or platinum, never in steel.
First Generation: Ref. 6511 and 6611 (1956-1959)
The original Day-Date was a 36mm watch in 18ct yellow gold with a fluted bezel and the brand-new “President” bracelet — a semi-circular three-link design that remains exclusive to the Day-Date to this day. The movement was the Caliber 1055, Rolex’s first automatic day-date mechanism. The day wheel was available in 26 languages, a feature Rolex has maintained ever since.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower received one of the first Day-Dates — serial number 150,000 — making him the most prominent early ambassador for what would become the quintessential power watch.
Second Generation: Ref. 1803 and 18038 (1959-1988)
The 1803 introduced the now-standard case proportions and the famous “pie-pan” dial texture. This generation spanned nearly three decades and was worn by Lyndon Johnson, who gave Day-Dates as diplomatic gifts. The 18038 (1977) upgraded to a sapphire crystal and quick-set date mechanism via the Caliber 3055.
During this era, the Day-Date cemented its association with political power. It was the preferred watch of Middle Eastern heads of state, African leaders, and American presidents — earning the “President” nickname that stuck permanently.
Third Generation: Ref. 18238 and 18239 (1988-2000)
The double-quick-set mechanism (Cal. 3155) arrived, allowing both day and date to be set independently via the crown. White gold (18239) joined the lineup, and new dial options included lapis lazuli, malachite, and coral stone — natural materials that made each watch unique. The “double-six” lume markers at 6 and 9 o’clock became a collector’s point of differentiation.
Fourth Generation: Ref. 118238/118239 (2000-2015)
Rolex’s “supercase” design with wider lugs and a heavier feel. The Caliber 3155 continued, and Rolex introduced the heavy “Super President” (Ref. 228206) in platinum with an ice-blue dial — the most expensive non-gem-set Day-Date at the time. Everose gold (Ref. 118235) debuted in 2005 using Rolex’s proprietary fade-resistant rose gold alloy.
Current Generation: Ref. 228238/228239/228235/228206 (2015-Present)
The current Day-Date 40 increased from 36mm to 40mm — the first size change in the model’s history. Key upgrades:
- Movement: Caliber 3255 — 70-hour power reserve, Chronergy escapement, +/- 2 seconds/day
- Case: 40mm × 12.2mm, redesigned lugs and mid-case
- Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating on the cyclops only
- Bracelet: Updated President bracelet with concealed Crownclasp
Current References and Pricing
| Ref. | Material | Retail | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 228238 | Yellow Gold | $39,650 | $34,000-$38,000 |
| 228239 | White Gold | $40,450 | $35,000-$39,000 |
| 228235 | Everose Gold | $40,450 | $35,000-$38,000 |
| 228206 | Platinum | $62,550 | $55,000-$65,000 |
The Day-Date 36: Ref. 128238/128239
For those who prefer the classic 36mm proportions, Rolex still produces the Day-Date 36. It shares the Caliber 3255 movement with the 40mm version and offers many of the same dial options. At roughly $2,000-$3,000 less than the 40mm at retail, the 36mm is increasingly popular with collectors who appreciate the original Day-Date aesthetic.
Famous Day-Date Wearers
- Dwight D. Eisenhower — Serial #150,000, the original Day-Date ambassador
- Lyndon B. Johnson — Gave Day-Dates as presidential gifts
- Warren Buffett — Wears a yellow gold Day-Date daily since the 1980s
- Jay-Z — Multiple Day-Dates including a platinum 228206
- Tony Soprano — The yellow gold Day-Date became the fictional mob boss’s signature
- Roger Federer — Rolex ambassador, frequently seen with a Day-Date 40
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Day-Date never made in steel?
It’s a deliberate positioning decision. Rolex wants the Day-Date to remain the top of their hierarchy — above the Datejust, GMT-Master, and Submariner. Making it in steel would undermine its exclusive status. This policy has been in place since 1956 and shows no signs of changing.
What languages is the day wheel available in?
26 languages including English, Arabic, Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, and most European languages. The language is set at purchase and is not user-changeable — it’s a physical wheel inside the movement.
Is the President bracelet comfortable?
Extremely. The semi-circular three-link design drapes over the wrist like fabric and the concealed Crownclasp sits flush. It’s widely considered the most comfortable bracelet Rolex makes. The downside: it’s relatively delicate compared to the Oyster and stretches over decades of daily wear.
Do you carry Day-Date superclones?
Yes — browse our Day-Date President collection at DR.WATCH. Premium 904L gold-plated or solid gold-colored cases, Swiss automatic movements, functional day + date complications, and the iconic President bracelet. Free shipping worldwide + 1-year warranty.
Day-Date 36 or 40 — which should I buy?
If your wrist is under 7 inches, the 36mm will look more proportionate and closer to the original. If you have a larger wrist or prefer the modern trend toward bigger watches, the 40mm is the safer choice. Both use the same movement and offer identical functionality.
