Rolex Revisits The 70s Spirit With Three New Stone Dials For The Day-Date 36
5 min read
Rolex watch novelties for 2023 launched at Watches and Wonders were full of surprises, big announcements, and quirky controversies. The new Day-Date 36mm models now earn turquoise combinations along with green adventuring dials speckled with gems and a carnelian variant.
The Rolex Day-Date 36 launched at Watches and Wonders 2023 is all about color and finesse as a trio of stone dials for the perennially beloved timepiece has been unveiled. The bang-on-money color combinations make up for a delightfully vibrant execution of one of the favorite offerings in the Rolex catalog.
Decorative Stones In Shimmering Tones
Evoking the atmosphere of the Mediterranean coast, the new Day-Date 36 models feature handpicked natural stone-caved dials in a trio of radiant options. The Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 features dials studded with diamond-set hour markers and Roman VI and IX.
Constructed out of a case made up of 18 ct Everose gold, the first variant showcases the green aventurine dial, a stone with a finely crystallized surface. The second timepiece crafted in 18 ct yellow gold features a carnelian dial with an orange hue accentuated by graduating lines or shapes for the addition of depth or dynamic appeal. The last version is offered in an 18 ct white gold case with a turquoise dial naturally textured with veining thus making every watch unique and distinctive. All the timepieces are endowed with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds masterfully set along the bezel of the watch paired with an iconic President bracelet.
The latest versions of the Day-Date 36 launched at Watches and Wonders run on the caliber 3255, an example of true innovation and precision watchmaking excellence enabling a display of day and date complications along with the expression of the hours, minutes, and seconds.
Consistent with the Rolex collection, the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 is marked with the Superlative Chronometer certification.
A Crowning Interpretation Of Exclusivity
Introduced in 1956, the Day-Date wristwatch was a significant innovation well ahead of its time. It was the first calendar watch to display not only the date but also the day of the week, spelled out fully in an arched window at the 12 o'clock position on the dial. The day of the week is available in 26 different languages. The Day-Date range of watches is crafted only in precious metals like 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold, or 950 platinum.
The Day-Date has been a fitting choice of a timepiece for numerous political figures, directors, and visionaries worldwide and is an immediately recognizable watch. This is primarily due to its iconic President bracelet, whose evocative name, coupled with the renowned figures who have worn it, has earned the Day-Date the nickname of the "presidents' watch."
A Watch For All Occasions And Sporty Endeavours
Despite the dressier appeal, the latest 36 mm Oyster case of the new versions of the Day-Date 36 timepieces showcases a combination of durability and elegance. It is safe in depths up to 100 meters (330 feet).
The Twinlock winding crown, which includes a dual waterproofing mechanism, screws securely against the case, while the crystal is made of sapphire, which is highly resistant to scratches. The date can be easily read through the Cyclops magnifying lens positioned at 3 o'clock. Additionally, the crystal features an anti-reflective coating for enhanced legibility. The waterproof Oyster case offers optimal protection for the watch's remarkably precise caliber 3255.
Uncompromised Timekeeping Precision - The Perpetual Calibre 3255
The latest models of the Day-Date 36 timepieces from Rolex feature the caliber 3255 movements. This self-winding mechanical movement, developed and manufactured in-house by Rolex, was introduced in 2015 and fitted on this model for the first time in 2019. The Caliber 3255 movement is a masterpiece of precision timekeeping, delivering exceptional performance, extended power reserve, greater convenience, and reliability.
This movement incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement technology, which offers high energy efficiency and better reliability. The nickel-phosphorus escapement makes it resistant to strong magnetic fields. The blue Parachrom hairspring, crafted by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy, provides excellent stability in terms of temperature fluctuations and high resistance to shocks. The Rolex overcoil ensures regularity in any position, while the Rolex-designed Paraflex shock absorbers enhance the movement's shock resistance. The oscillating weight is now fitted with an optimized ball bearing.
The caliber 3255 in the Day-Date 36 launched at Watches and Wonders 2023 comes with a self-winding mechanism facilitated by a Perpetual rotor. With its advanced barrel design and efficient escapement, the power reserve of caliber 3255 extends to about 70 hours.
President Bracelet - A Symbol Of Royalty
The latest Day-Date 36 models come fitted with a President bracelet that was originally designed for the launch of the prestigious Oyster Perpetual Day-Date in 1956. This bracelet comprises a unique three-link construction and is crafted exclusively from 18 ct gold or 950 platinum. It remains exclusive to the Day-Date and high-end precious metal Datejust models.
For the model with the green aventurine dial, the President bracelet is crafted from 18 ct Everose gold. The carnelian dial variant comes fitted on a bracelet made of 18 ct yellow gold, while the watch with the turquoise dial features an 18 ct white gold bracelet. The bracelet is fitted with a discreet folding Crownclasp that adds to its sophistication. To ensure its durability and flexibility on the wrist, the bracelet comes with Rolex patented ceramic inserts integrated into the links.
Superlative Chronometer Certification
As with all Rolex timepieces, the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 bears the Superlative Chronometer certification, which was redefined by the brand in 2015. This designation testifies that each watch produced in the brand's workshops has successfully qualified a series of tests conducted by Rolex itself, following its strict criteria, in addition to the official certification of watch movements by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).
The in-house certification tests are performed on the fully assembled watch, after the movement has been encased, ensuring exceptional performance in terms of precision, power reserve, water resistance, and self-winding. A Rolex Superlative Chronometer boasts a precision of approximately −2 /+2 seconds per day, which is significantly better than the rate deviation accepted by COSC for the official certification of the movement alone.
A green seal that accompanies each Rolex watch represents its Superlative Chronometer status, along with an international five-year warranty.
Our Takeaway
Recapturing the classic 1970s vibes and offering a colorful palette for the elegant inspired timepieces, the latest stone dial iterations of the Day-Date 36 launched at Watches and Wonders 2023 offer every desirable nuance to delight a watch enthusiast.
