Rolex Datejust

The 1980s were a time of great drama and profound change, as the United States found itself swarmed by controversy in the waning years of the Cold War.

And at the center of this controversy was the “Gipper” himself, President Ronald Reagan.

His first term as president began with chilling action straight out of a James Bond movie. On March 21, 1981, just seventy days after Reagan took office, he and his wife attended a fundraising event at Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C. The ghostly mood in the theater was enough to strike concern and tension within Reagan, even with his wife by his side.

When he reached the box where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, he felt a strange sensation, later writing in his memoir: “Even with all the Secret Service protection we now had, it was probably still possible for someone who had enough determination to get close enough to the president to shoot him."

Such a dismal remark would prove to foreshadow the coming days.

Nine days later, he addressed AFL-CIO representatives at the Washington Hilton Hotel. While he was often forced to wear a bulletproof vest, he was assured he would be safe and secure without one in “The President’s Walk,” which was designed following the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy. However, Secret Service agents made a “colossal mistake” by permitting an unscreened group of bystanders to watch Reagan make his departure.

One of these spectators was John Hinckley, Jr., an emotionally distraught man with a deep, passionate obsession with actress Jodie Foster. Hinckley lingered silently in the crowd, a shadow amongst masses. He only sought to impress Foster, and to be the champion of her devout affection.

With his limousine in sight, Reagan glided past spectators, pausing occasionally to greet his admirers. Hinckley waited until Reagan passed right in front of him. Believing it to be his only chance, he fired a Röhm RG-14 .22LR blue steel revolver six times in 1.7 seconds, missing the president with all but one shot.

Reagan was shot in the chest, just below the left underarm, but fully recovered and returned to office motivated and ready to tackle the nation’s largest problems at full throttle.

Whether he was at the White House or on foreign soil, President Reagan often wore a Rolex Datejust in the face of the greatest political challenges.

This Rolex Datejust “UAE Crest” features a 36mm steel Oyster case, a staple of the original Rolex Datejust watches produced since 1945, as well as a steel fluted bezel and a signature D-link Jubilee bracelet. The gold dial bears gold hands, a signed crown, an acrylic crystal, and an ornate UAE Seal which features the Hawk of Quraish, a golden falcon with seven feathers to represent the seven emirates.

In addition, the watch includes a UAE Seal stamped box, a 1982/1983 calendar card, and punched blank papers.

With a watch like this, it’s not hard to imagine yourself as the Leader of the Free World.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.