Rolex Day-Date

 The Rolex Day-Date is synonymous with class, style and success.  

Originally released in 1956, the Day-Date, also known as the President, quickly became Rolex's flagship watch produced in only two precious metals - 18k gold and platinum.  While the first executions were thick due to the use of the "Bubbleback" case design, by the early 1960s, Rolex had slimmed and refined it into the more well-known Oyster case.  

In addition to refinements to the case, Rolex also worked to iron out bugs in the original movement.  The newly introduced day-wheel complication drew power from the mainspring power reserve and resulted in higher levels of inaccuracy than typically found among Rolex movement.  However, by 1965, Rolex had solved the issue and the Day-Date was deemed accurate enough to be stamped "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" - denoting the COSC standard of -4/+6 seconds per day rate.

By the late 1960s, Rolex had further enhanced the calibre 1055 movement with the addition of a hacking function, which stops the second hand when the crown is pulled out.  This particular piece hails from the early 1970s, and is in New Old Stock condition, having just been pulled from the vault of a private collector who bought it new in Brazil.  The 18k Rose Gold case is in absolutely mint condition, proving just how sharp these beauties were from the factory. Complete with its original inner and outer boxes, International Warranty booklet, and papers, this watch is the very definition of a collectable gem.  Being a Brazilian-market watch, the calendar wheel features Portuguese language printing, adding a little cherry on top to an already-incredible find!

Bottom line? There are plenty of good Day-Dates out there, but this one is something we're probably never going to see again!