Day Date
Patented July 23. 1955 - official Released in 1956. The 6511 the "Day Date" had a window at “12” spelling out the day at 12 and the date was shown at “3”. Due to the complexity of the watch, extra power to advance two discs at midnight. With new automatic movement, additional day and date discs and a screw down back it was a very large and thick watch which gave it presence on the wrist. Introduced as a niche model it soon gained the popularity it deserves and after the introduction of the concealed clasp (concealed clasp was offer as $75 option in 1969) it was known as the "President".
The Day Date immediately became Rolex's flagship till now. The first model (6511) lasted just over a year before it was replaced by the externally identical 6611. This model featured the new caliber 1055 movement with its free sprung Micro-Stella balance and was the first to be labeled "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" on the dial. This new accuracy standard guaranteed the watch to remain within + 3.0 seconds per day. In 1959 caliber 1055 was replaced with caliber 1555 in model 1803 (18,000bph) and later in year 1965 - model 1803 received caliber 1556 (19,800bph).
In 1977 caliber 3055 (quick-set) was introduced in model 18038 and in 1988 caliber 3155 (double quick-set) was introduced in model 18238.
Caliber 3155 is the caliber still used today in all Day-Date models.
The Day Date earned the nickname the "President" when Rolex reportedly gave one to the then President of the United States Dwight Eisenhower. Some sources say that President Eisenhower was actually given a Date Just (not Day-Date) with the presidential style bracelet. But it is a fact that several other US presidents are known to wear Day-Date (Roosevelt, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Reagan).
These early models did not have the hack feature and appeared rather bulky. In their never ending quest to modernize the basic configuration of the Day Date, Rolex designers have changed from the bulbous bubble-back look of the early models to the slender shape employed today.
With only a few mild case design changes over the years the first modification to the Day Date was the addition of the hack feature in about 1972. This allowed the second hand to be stopped dead if you wanted to set the time via a preset accurate source. At this time the shape of the head was essentially the same as it is today. The Day Date was available in white gold, yellow gold, pink gold and platinum although in early 70's the pink gold watch was phased out.
The "Quick set" feature (caliber 3055) solved one of the watches biggest problems. Introduced in the late 1970's Quick set was added to all Rolex models by 1983. Instead of turning the crown round and round to change the date the wearer could just pull the button out half way and a few turns at most and the correct date was displayed.
The introduction of the quick set feature also coincided with other developments for the Day Date. The inclusion of the sapphire crystal not only gave the watch a sleeker look but also added to the durability of the watch. The early Day Date models were waterproof to 165 feet (50 meters) while the current model is safe at depths of up to 100 meters.
Introduced in 1988/89 was the "Double Quick Set" watch with caliber 3155. This was model 18238 and it made the setting of the Day and Date even easier as they could both be done on the button.
From the end of 2000 the Day Date has been available in pink gold again. The watch has also been introduced with slightly redesigned case with polished lugs, smooth bezel is now domed, a domed sapphire crystal, solid center links on now heavier bracelet and can also come on an oyster bracelet to bring it in line with many of their other models.
The Baselworld has preview on new Day Date of 6 colour dial, comes with Leather strap or oyster strap, give a new younger look for the new young big spenders of the 30’s.
The Day Date across the world has become synonymous with class and style. This watch remains one of the most prestigious additions a man can have to his wardrobe.
Amongst all fabulous Day Date made over the years, Ref 1803 is still one of the collector’s choice as there are numerous colour made with precious stone or material as dial. There is new group of collector now focusing on collecting Ref 1803 from now and then. The current price of Rolex Ref 1803 is still considered Cheap! When the new younger buyer come into search onto this Rolex Category as collectors choice, Price of Ref 1803 will rise sharply, Please do not underestimate the new China Demand for quality vintage Rolex.
HK Snob
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