Rolex Day-Date 36 - 128238

Rolex launched the Day-Date in 1956 as the world's first wristwatch displaying both day and date spelled out in full—genuine complication requiring additional wheel work beyond simple date mechanism. The Day-Date established Rolex's most exclusive production watch: available only in precious metals (yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum), never in steel, fitted exclusively with President bracelet creating distinction from more accessible Datejust line. The watch became "President's watch" through unofficial association—Lyndon Johnson received Day-Date as gift, subsequent presidents photographed wearing them, Rolex capitalised on connection without official endorsement. Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan—wrist presence spanning political spectrum suggesting universal appeal transcending partisan boundaries.

Thirty-six millimetres in 18ct yellow gold—Rolex's proprietary alloy containing gold, copper, and silver achieving warm colour whilst maintaining structural integrity. Thirty-six millimetres represents original Day-Date sizing from 1956 launch, maintained across sixty-eight years of production alongside forty millimetre variant introduced 2008. The diameter suits diverse occasions—formal enough for boardroom, understated enough avoiding ostentatious display, versatile across business and social contexts. Monobloc middle case machined from solid gold block. Polished finishing throughout—no brushed surfaces, no mixed finishes, continuous high-polish creating mirror-like reflections emphasising precious metal construction.

The fluted bezel represents Day-Date's signature design element—eighteen triangular facets creating texture whilst catching light from multiple angles. Originally functional (fluted pattern provided grip for tool securing bezel to case), evolved into purely decorative element synonymous with Day-Date identity. The fluting provides tactile and visual differentiation from smooth bezel variants. Screw-down Twinlock crown at three o'clock with Rolex coronet. Sapphire crystal with Cyclops magnifier at three o'clock position enlarging date display two point five times. Screw-down caseback. One hundred metres water resistance—adequate for swimming, conservative rating typical of dress watches prioritising elegance over aquatic capability.

The champagne dial uses sunburst finish—radial striations emanating from centre creating colour variation between pale gold and deeper champagne depending on light angle. Applied yellow gold hour markers—elongated batons at odd hours, circular markers at even positions. All markers filled with Chromalight luminous material emitting blue glow lasting eight hours after charging. Yellow gold hands matching case and marker colour with Chromalight filling. Running seconds hand sweeps from centre.

Day window at twelve o'clock displaying full day name—available in twenty-six languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese. The day changes instantaneously at midnight. Date window at three o'clock with champagne background matching dial colour, black printed numerals. Cyclops magnifier enlarges date improving legibility. Both day and date advance simultaneously at midnight—mechanism requiring complex wheel work coordinating dual calendar complications.

Rolex coronet logo above day window. "Day-Date" printed in gold below six o'clock position. No additional text—Rolex simplified dial printing on current-generation models, relegating "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" language to caseback engraving. The champagne dial provides tonal harmony with yellow gold case and bracelet—monochromatic aesthetic emphasising precious metal construction, creating cohesive appearance suitable for formal occasions.

Inside sits Calibre 3255—Rolex's flagship movement introduced 2015 as Day-Date exclusive before migrating to other precious metal models. The 3255 represents Rolex's most advanced production movement: Chronergy escapement (patent-pending design using nickel-phosphorus components improving efficiency fifteen per cent), seventy-hour power reserve (exceptional for date and day-date movement), optimised gear train reducing friction, fourteen patents incorporated across movement architecture. The movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour. Four hertz frequency. Thirty-one jewels.

The 3255 features blue Parachrom hairspring—paramagnetic niobium-zirconium alloy unaffected by magnetic fields, temperature variations, shocks. Traversing balance bridge provides increased stability over traditional balance cock. Paraflex shock absorbers claim fifty per cent greater shock resistance than industry-standard Incabloc systems. COSC chronometer certification requires -4/+6 seconds daily accuracy, Rolex subjects assembled watches to additional in-house testing certifying -2/+2 seconds daily—"Superlative Chronometer" designation. The movement demonstrates supreme reliability—day and date mechanisms engage automatically, advance precisely at midnight, require no manual correction except after months with fewer than thirty-one days.

The President bracelet uses three semi-circular links per row creating supple, flowing appearance. Full 18ct yellow gold construction throughout—no base metal, no plating, solid gold links adding substantial weight characteristic of precious metal watches. Polished finishing on all visible surfaces. The bracelet tapers from case to clasp. Concealed Crownclasp—folding clasp hidden beneath bracelet links, opens by lifting Rolex coronet emblem, closes by pressing down until audible click confirms engagement. The concealed design maintains clean visual flow without visible clasp disrupting bracelet appearance.

The President bracelet remains exclusive to Day-Date and precious metal Lady-Datejust models—deliberate positioning maintaining Day-Date's prestige above Datejust line. The bracelet's weight, comfort, and visual identity became inseparable from Day-Date's luxury positioning. No micro-adjustment, no Easylink extension—sizing requires link removal by authorised dealer or watchmaker.

Excellent condition from 2024 means virtually unworn—perhaps minimal hairline scratching on polished surfaces from handling, slight dulling from try-on, no deep marks, no structural damage. Yellow gold shows scratches readily due to metal softness—characteristic of precious metal ownership, part of patina development, removable through professional polishing. Movement should maintain Superlative Chronometer accuracy. Day and date should advance instantaneously at midnight without hesitation. Full set includes green Rolex presentation box (current design with magnetic closure), warranty card dated 2024, instruction booklets, green hang tag, certification papers. Five-year warranty active—transferable to subsequent owners with documentation.

The Day-Date represents Rolex's statement piece—never produced in steel, maintaining exclusivity through precious metal requirement. The watch signals achievement without sports watch bravado, commands respect in boardrooms, worn by presidents and CEOs, yet increasingly anachronistic in casualised business culture favouring steel sports watches. Secondary market values for precious metal Day-Dates trade at discounts versus steel sports models despite higher material costs—gold content provides price floor but modern buyers prioritise steel Daytona or Submariner over gold Day-Date. The champagne dial offers safe choice—conservative enough for any context, warm tones complementing yellow gold, avoiding bold colours that might date quickly.

Sixty-eight years of Day-Date production. Thirty-six millimetres, day-date complications, Calibre 3255, President bracelet exclusive. Excellent condition, full set from 2024, five-year transferable warranty active.