Articles about Rolex Day Date (Eng)

I love Day Date and I had written more than 120 Articles about Rolex Day Date.

 If you want to see them, go to the chapter on the right isde of the page and search for Day Date (87) and Look for them!

Paul 

Rolex Day Date Oyster Quartz 19018 yellow gold in Birch dial

 

A Rare Gem: 19018 Rolex Day-Date Oyster Quartz with Unique Birch Dial

 

Let’s take a brief step back in horological history first. 

Between 1977 and 2003, Rolex produced a total of 25,000 Oyster Quartz watches — a bold move at a time when the Swiss watch industry was still reeling from the "Quartz Crisis". Among these, the yellow gold models with birch dials are exceptionally rare. In fact, it’s estimated that fewer than 200 were ever made. Over the past decade in Hong Kong, I’ve personally seen no more than five — and three of them are in my collection. 

Today, I’m offering one of the two I’m looking to part with — a truly beautiful Rolex Day-Date Oyster Quartz 19018, featuring an absolutely stunning birch-coloured dial. 

This is not your average beige or champagne dial. The birch tone on this particular example is remarkably brighter and more “orange-toned” compared to others I’ve encountered. When viewed alongside the crisp white Day and Date apertures, the contrast is striking — a visual detail that truly comes alive in person (unfortunately, my photos can’t quite do justice to it due to reflections). 

I had the battery replaced just last week on 4 October at CWR, so you’re getting a fully serviced, accurate timepiece ready to run for approximately two more years. 

Now, why is this watch interesting beyond its rarity? 

Many modern watch enthusiasts and critics have noted that the design language of the Rolex Oysterquartz — particularly its clean, integrated bracelet and bold dial layout — may have subtly influenced the later Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master (or even the newer Oyster Perpetual "Land-Dweller" concept). Speaking of which, the newly launched Rolex Oyster Perpetual 40mm "Land-Dweller" (Ref. 127334) in stainless steel with a white dial is currently retailing (or reselling) in the open market for around HKD 270,000. 

So here’s a thought:

Why not consider a solid 18k yellow gold Rolex Day-Date, with a rare and vibrant birch dial, powered by Rolex’s own highly engineered quartz movement, all for roughly half the price? 

It’s accurate. It’s elegant. It’s historically intriguing. And it’s definitely a conversation starter. 

This is one of the two I’m listing on Carousell — if you’ve been searching for something truly unique in the quartz world from Rolex, this might be your moment.

 HK Snob

Rolex Tiffany Blue cyclone

With last auction on Patek Philippe 5711 Tiffany Blue hit a hammer price of US$6M, 

Rolex's OP Tiffany blue Nautilus price had been increased immediately in the market high up to HK$350,000. as of now their price is still moving between HK$265,000 to HK$285,000.

I had an hunch to look for some substitutes with Tiffany Blue element from Rolex...

In December 2021, we bought the first Day Date 36mm Ref 128348RBR-0037 turquoise with HK$497,500 for my Philippine investor. 

Four days later, I bought for another HK Investor with HK$540,000, already up HK$42,500!

After one month, another famous HK collector bought one with HK$650,000.

So what is the price now?

From Today's Chrono24 we can find 9 pieces

With price of 6 pieces from lowest HK$575K to highest HK$711K and three is "Ask price"

Take an average the price is HK$658,000!

Base on this the first bought one with $497,500, we entitle a price increase of HK$160,000.

That is a 32% appreciation on paper. 

This is the Tiffany Blue Cyclone... and this is not just a simple printed dial, it is finely selected piece of Turquoise, lapped down to a thickness of 0.25mm, polishing it to the required flatness. 

Check for any microcrack, if not then, Laser cut a trapezoidal window and a rectangular window for the Day and Date wheel display. Inspect again for any cracks. if not then.

Drill with 20 tiny holes for inserting the hour index, 

Drill a larger hole at the centre for the hour and minuet hands.

If there is any flaws nor micro crack, the whole dial will be discarded and have to remake again.

These are tedious works and Rolex can only produce say 10-20 pieces a year.

So I speculate that by Autumn 2022, The market price will be reaching HK$1,000,000.

HK Snob

Remarks 

Rolex SRP or Ref 128348RBR-0037 turquoise is HK$447,200 

 

Rolex Day Date 2019

Rolex presents its iconic Oyster Perpetual Day-Date with a fresh aesthetic and a new-generation mechanical movement, Calibre 3255, inside a 40 mm case. From a design perspective, this new Day-Date features refined lugs and case middle, a large dial opening, and an exclusive return to the President bracelet that is more closely integrated into the Oyster case. The movement has COSC certification (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) yet in fact complies with precision criteria that are twice as exacting. It incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement which combines high energy efficiency with dependability. Made from nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic interference. The oscillator has an optimized blue Parachrom balance spring. New barrel architecture and the escapement's greater efficiency ensure a power reserve of 70 hours.

HK Snob

Courtesy of FHH

Meeting a Freind on Watches

I met a friend who has been talking over a long time on Whatsapp till we met today at Central, Glad to see his watch show here on the right:-

A beautiful Day Date Ref 118208 with Cacholong dial on oyster bracelet.

The Center one is my new toy Submariner 16618 with Onyx dial.

The left one is the Day Date 18348.

So which one you like here? Left? Center one ? or Right!?

HK Snob

Rolex Day Date isn't for "Old Cakes"

Swiss Watch Giant Rolex makes almost 1,000,000 watches a year, being one of the most prestigious brands in the World, the remarkable shift that has allowed Rolex to be the watchmaker of choice for everyone from Rich men’s kid, men start to earn his first monthly salary, Sales man, engineers, Doctor, scientist, bankers, religion leader, watch collectors, communist revolutionaries, you and me.

Rolex offers broad range of different prices to meet most of the people who can afford;  an elementary level Oyster Perpetual, or a Date Just, sport model as mid range that  can capturing most if the younger generation to get crazy for to certain high end luxury model made of precious metals even paved with diamonds. As Rolex Watch of US$4,000 to US$0.5M. It is still a Rolex, not as price-unfriendly as a Lamborghini at least.

The top of the line is Day Date, who was named a President’s Watches as most of the US Presidents got one or a few. I haven’t seen Donald Trump wears a Rolex in public, but I am sure he has Day Date in his drawer.

Day Date is being acknowledged as best of the Rolex in terms of function, and image as that is why these certain people, JFC, Li Pope John Paul II to communist tyrants Mao Zedong* has it.

Legend has it that the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, owns a collection of 15 Rolexes.  Dalai’s holyness’ first timepiece was a gift from former U.S. president Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942 as a symbol of secure relations between the U.S. and Tibet appeared to be gold Rolex. You’ll see that his holiness wears them reversed, with the face turned inwards on his wrist so as to not appear ostentatious.

 

There is always a saying which I have been always called not quite right as people in HK called a Day Date an “old cake’s watch” Old Cake” in HK ‘s colloquial means those people who is over 55 or above. I can really say that might be true also as who can easily afford to buy a US$30,000 Day Date? Might be someone who can afford wear a Day Date is those who reach certain age that at same time certain salary level. But Nowadays, we see a lot of younger people in age of 30-40 wearing Day Date.

A Day Date is really a very pleasant watch to use, it is perpetually beautifully, comfortable, can be worn without much care, they are one of the beloved items for Rolex Watch Lovers,  connoisseur, well, they are not necessary rich, as I know a lot of Rich man who can afford to buy but they will not wear a Day Date. I know a man who earns USD$3M a year, he wear a US$300 Tissot, he enjoys, why not then…

A Day Date Entry level is low as if you are looking into ordinary dial such as the Champagne gold,

Say a Ref 1803 is Champagne gold dial is about US$5,000, but a White Gold with Bloodstone dial may go up to US$35,000 or more.

A Vintage Day Date with an original Warranty paper may top up 20% more on the price,

Go to buy a Day Date with Lapis Azuli Dial in BNIB, still available in very small quantity in Hong Kong, may be two pieces in all 78 Rolex AD shops in HK.

When you travel, if you are lucky to see a NOS Day Date in Coral or Bloodstone Dial, anything under US$30,000, buy it…

I am sure you will earn money by selling it.

PS

DD- Day Date

NOS- new old stock

BNIB- brand new in box

AD- Authorized Dealer

Remarks * Chairman Mao’ s usual watch in fact is an  Omega Sea Master which was given as gift by Kowk Mui Yek.

HK Snob

 

Rare Rolex Dial on Day Date and Date Just available in Hong Kong

HK$88,000

HK$301,900

HK$280,700

HK$301,900

HK$453,700

HK$226,100

Various Rare Rolex Still could be found in Hong Kong Today.
The Top one is Pre-owned Rolex Date Just with Coral Dial.
The rest are all BNIB Full Set 5 years Day Date 36mm at Rolex AD.
Dial Like Ferrite, Bulls eye stone, Lapis Azuli, Birch...
These are on Sale.



HK Snob

Rolex Day-Date 40 VS Rolex Daytona – HK Snob weighs in

 

 

With the new Rolex 116500ln Daytona Ceramic out, the attention of us is back to the Daytona. However, let’s not forget the brand’s most iconic model, the Day-Date. A new olive dial version has been released with rose gold case and bracelet. It is also available in white gold.

 

 

 

 

Some of you may have the same struggle – to go for the Day-Date or the Daytona? While the prices of the two watches may differ a lot, the Snob would like to make clear his stance on whether you should go for the Daytona or the Day-Date.

 

 

 

 

 



1 Price

The Rolex Day-Date 40 is way more expensive than the Daytona as there is no stainless steel version for the DD40. With that said, you will have to pay around 190k -210k (gray dealer) for a DD40. With the Daytona, if you opt for the yellow gold, white gold or the rose gold version, you will have to pay around 180k-210k (gray deader). However, the Daytona can be had in stainless steel which is around 130k right now for the 116500ln. (HK AD official list price HK$95,000)

2. Practicality

The Rolex Day-Date is a way more practical watch than the Daytona. We bet you have to know which day and date it is more than to know the duration of your drive, given that most of us are not professional race car drivers? The Rolex DD40 has the date and day display which makes everyday life way more convenient than wearing the Daytona. Moreover, let’s not forget the DD40’s 72 hours of power reserve That means you do not have to wind your watch as much as the Daytona.

 

3. Rarity

How often do you see people wearing the Daytona on the street? Very, right? But you do not see a lot of DD40. So, why wear the same watch that others are wearing? Stand out by wearing the DD40 is a good choice to show your elegance and special taste.

 

4. The bracelet.

The Daytona has a Oyster bracelet which features the Easylink extension system. Most of Rolex’s sports watches have Oyster bracelet with them. Again, it might be too common. The DD40 has a President bracelet which reflects light way better than an Oyster band. The polished center links shine like nothing else. It is more comfortable as the links are smaller, they can adjust to the shape of your wrist better.

 

 

HK Snob

Rolex Day-Date – how to choose the right dial for your age?

We do not see people wearing the Day-Date in Hong Kong very much as most of us seem to prefer sports models of Rolex. However, when the one standing next to you in an MTR compartment is wearing the same 116710 as you do, why not stand out by wearing something different – the most prestigious watch of Rolex- the Day-Date?

 

 

Some of us may feel that the Day-Date belongs not to the young but to the grandpas who are over 60 years old. The impression is formed because of the overall design of the Day-Date which is very elegant and classic. The President bracelet is, together with the Jubilee bracelet, seen as something that the young will not want to wear because the overall style is too formal and mature. Nevertheless, what is notable is that when you look at NBA stars and young musicians in the West, they wear their Day-Dates and they wear them well. That brings out one point: when you are young, it does not make you look old wearing a Day-Date. What is more is of course about the choice of the right size and the right dial.

 

 

The 36mm Day-Date has been around for so many years. It is the more standard size of the Day-Date. However, for younger people, this size is not recommended. If you are under 30, you can go for the Day-Date 40. To stand out, choose dials of darker colors instead of champagne gold or light silver colors. These dials pair with yellow gold or rose gold very well. The 2016 olive dial on the 228235 Day-Date 40 rose gold is a great choice. If you prefer yellow gold, go for the black diagonal motif dial. Surely, you can go for the white gold versions which offer blue and grey stripe motif dials. They look stunning with the President bracelet which reflects light like nothing else.

 

 

 

If you would like to have a more formal style, then go for the lighter dial colors such as the sun dust motif dial of the rose gold version. It is a very special color. The Rolex Day-Date 40 is indeed a better choice than sports models which you can find most people wearing on many occasions. It is a watch that is made only in precious metals. It is a watch which makes you stand out.

 

HK Snob

HK Watch Fever Group

 

 

 

 

 

Rolex Day Date with a Special custom Dial order through Rolex AD,

Day Date in Coral

 

 

Day Date in Rubellite Wood

Day Date with Aventurine

 

Have you ever mesmerized these Rolex Day Dates with exotic dials?

 



You must know that I am the one who is...

 

Now, after talking to Rolex AD, we can order these watches from Rolex SA Switzerland for you.

 

All Brand New Rolex watch made for you Brand New in Box Full Set from Rolex AD.

 

Price estimated HKD$260,000

 

50% deposit to the Rolex AD then wait for 6 weeks or so, then you can get these watches.

 

if you cannot get these watches from Rolex after the period of them you can ask for refund.

 

Well, you don't have to go to the Sham Shui Po, Mong Kok or TST looking for these old watch...

 

New watch has better movement, better waterproof,  better in anything as it is NEW

 

Only HK Watch Fever Group can get this deal for you.

 

Now we have only three types of dial as shown above.

 

Model Ref.118238 in yellow gold.

 

Hope One day we get Submariner with Onyx or Lapis Lazuli Dial!

 

HK Snob

HK Watch Fever

UK Collectors' Day Date

 

 

 

Price of a Rolex depends much on the dial especially on Day Date.

 

Onyx is a kind of gem Rolex used to put it as dial on some of the Flag Ship watch in the 80s.

 



Day Date Onyx, Submariner Onyx carries a price 2X to 2.5X 

than an ordinary dial of the same model.

 

Look at these watches, are they rare?

 

Yes they are, The creamy Explorer II is also adorable,

 

For more information, you can Whatsapp me.

 

HK Snob

 

 

Rolex Day-Date 60th anniversary edition and our Day-Date recommendations

2016 marks the 60^th anniversary of the Rolex Day-Date. Rolex released two DD40 earlier at Baselworld to commemorate the 60^th birthday of one of the most iconic watches in the Rolex collection.

 

The two watches in white gold and rose gold both have an olive sunburst dial. The best thing is – they have arrived in Hong Kong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The addition of the olive dial DD40 to the current lineup is absolutely a good thing given the fact that the DD40 collection offers a relatively limited range of dial options.

 

 

 

The olive dial is superb in the metal. On the rose gold model, it fully complements the warmth of rose gold making it one of the killer combos and one of the sharpest Day-Date ever made. The 3D Roman numerals give you extra shine from the dial as they reflect light together with the hands.

 

 



 



 

 

One of the best things about the Day-Date is its bracelet. One can easily recognize it. The DD40 even has ceramic parts in the bracelet making it even smoother when worn. You can easily tell the difference in terms of comfort if you have tried a DD with oyster bracelet before you try the other with President bracelet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you think that the DD is for the old, then you might want to try this new DD with olive dial. The new DD 40 with olive dial is an absolutely handsome piece that looks very good on the wrists of young people. The olive dial, the fluted bezel and the President bracelet give you very sharp reflection of light at any angle.  

If the new Day-Date 40 is not your choice, here are some recommendations for you to enter the splendid world of Day-Date.

 

 

 



1.      Rolex 118238/118235/118239

The Day-Date at 36mm is the most classic. In rose gold, yellow gold or white gold, it is a very elegant timepiece. These 36mm DDs offer you more varied dial options than the DD40. From gem stones to diamonds, there must be one dial option for you. My personal favorite is the meteorite dial with diamond markers.

 

 

 

2.      The Rolex 218238/218235/218239 Day-Date II

The discontinued DDII collection has the biggest cases in all time. At 41mm, the watch is meant for younger users who prefer bigger watches. Although dial options are not as varied as the 36mm DD, the DDII still offers some very nice designs on the dial. The size of it also makes it very hard to go unnoticed.

 

 

 

Although the collection has been discontinued, you are still very likely to find NOS or second-hand watches in good condition.

 

3.      The Rolex 1803 – the more affordable Day-Date

 

If new Day-Dates are too expensive for you, then you might look for a 36mm ref 1803. The 1803 has Plexiglas and it can be had at less than 100k and around half the price without the bracelet. You can pair the watch with different leather straps which is as much fun as wearing it on the President bracelet.

 

HK Snob

HKWF Group

 

 



The Eye of the Tiger

The Rolex Day Date is one of my beloved Watch Model amongst all Swiss Watches.

This is a Day Date made of tiger eye on the dial.

An Awesome piece of the Legendary Rolex.

HK Snob
HK Watch Fever

My most Adorable Rolex Day Date

An attractive Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, Day-Date with an coral-red lacquered dial with applied yellow gold bâton indexes on the right, and the Malachite dial of the bark bezel Day Date. Some even made with Coral for the dial.

These are rare and it is not cheap at all, however, when you buy it make sure the shop is reliable and the dial is free from any hairline crack.

HK Snob

Phillips Auction on Rolex Day Date in Hong Kong

1958 Rolex DD in Platinum

Rolex Day Date

From those who have been reading my Blog know well, I am a big fan of Day Date as I have posted a lot more on this Rolex Flag Ship.

Over the past 5-8 years, I have been saying that the Day Date Value is Under-estimated… I am glad that a few of friends now were being poisoned by me going from Submariner into Day Date Collections. And they are many times crazier than I am!

Well, those Day Date Watches has earned a nicked name of “Old Cake” meaning old men’s watch. (老餅).

By right, it is not mocking at the Watch because the Day Date is made of Gold, either yellow Gold, White gold, Rose Gold or Platinum.

Rolex Day Date price is not cheap at all. I guess a young executive nowadays could easier afford, but all all could.

Majority of the people may not be able to consider that, that is why large number of Rolex Fans go to those Stainless steel Watches Submariner, GMT Master II, Explorer…as their price is lower.

If I had an amount of HK$95,000 I would not die for a new Daytona Stainless, I Why not go for a Day Date?

Well, this is purely my preference as I always believe gold is precious metals, value is always there.

Look at this recent Auction in HK, it gives you a better and clearer picture on prices of Day Date…

The Most Expensive is a 1958 Day Date in Platinum; What? 

                

                              "CHF 473,000!"


I feel that there was a insider boost of the price with purpose to promote this auction of the first time as final price is too high than we can find from other auction.


Click this link to read the Auction Results;

http://www.phillips.com/auctions/auction/CH080115/

HK Snob

HK Watch Fever

Rolex Collectors' Day Date Ref 1803, 1804 and 1805

These are some of the Day Date.

Yellow gold 1803, white gold 1804 and Platinum 1805 with smooth bezel.

HK Snob

Watch Fever