Rolex Day-Date Diamond Dial

Why We Love It 

Double-quickset Day-Dates were once a thing of fantasy.

Early Day-Date models offered no Quickset functionality, meaning that both the Day and Date functions had to be manually set - with a fair amount of winding, mind you - by the user in order to display the correct information on the calendar complications. by the late 1970s, Rolex had improved the system and began offering Single-Quickset versions in the 'five digit' References based on the 18038. These versions allowed easier setting of the Date function, but you still had to crank through all seven days in order to set the Day. It wasn't until the introduction of the 18238 in the late 1980s that things got infinitely easier.

This example, a nearly unworn example dating to circa 1995, is the perfect of user-friendly mechanicals with an outstanding look.

Finished in 18K yellow gold with a gold sunburst factory diamond set dial, it is in pristine condition throughout with a perfect fluted bezel, intact and lightly aged Tritium lume plots, and even its green factory case back sticker that remains intact on its backside! It even comes with its original punched papers. Clean, crisp, and just a little extra sparkle from that factory gem setting on the indices...perfect.

In this case, diamonds are everyone's best friend!

The Day-Date Story

When you’ve got a good thing going, sometimes you just know.

Such is the case with the Rolex Day-Date. At the time of the Day-Date’s release in 1956, it was Rolex’s most complicated wristwatch: all previous attempts had failed to resonate with consumers.

But as soon as Rolex secured the patent in July of 1955, production of the Day-Date was rushed for a debut at the Basel Fair the following spring.

Although early Day-Dates were plagued by technical problems resulting from the complexity of the automatic movement with dual calendar function, those were soon resolved. After President Eisenhower sported one (a gift from the manufacture), its success was secured. The watch came to be known as the “President,” (due to the fact that several U.S. presidents since Eisenhower have worn one), and it certainly lives up to its dignified nickname.

For a brand that has built its reputation on its sports watches, it's perhaps unsurprising that the Rolex Day-Date is amongst the brand's best-sellers. True, the brand has always produced dress watches, but while the brand's more overt dress watch, the Cellini, often seems out of place among the brand's Oyster-cased offerings, the Day-Date is sturdy, solid, and at home alongside the Submariners and GMTs that make up the Oyster Perpetual collection.

Rolex has approached continual development of model as they do every other, making quiet improvements over the following decades, ensuring the Day-Date is worthy as the centerpiece of Rolex's Oyster line as horological technology evolves.

Whether a simple 36mm yellow gold piece or a Day-Date II 41mm Day-Date in platinum with a gem set dial, the Day-Date is internationally recognized as time timepiece of success and leadership, and of great taste.

Our Pledge

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.