The Flagship Model of Rolex: Rolex Day Date President

The new Day-Date model (6511) was released at the Basel fair in 1956. In this model, the 12 position had a window that spelled out the day of the week, and the 3 position displayed the day of the month. Due to many intricacies in the watch's movement, the early models were very launched as a niche model, though it gained popularity soon enough which it thoroughly deserved. It came to be known as the “President” and Rolex's new flagship model, after the launch of the concealed clasp. When Rolex gave a Day-Date's to President Eisenhower to celebrate his re-election, this model featured a new “President” bracelet and the name “President” remained with it.




Replaced by 6611, the first model (6511) lasted over a year. The new model was the first to be labeled "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified", and it displayed the new and improved caliber 1055 movement with its free sprung Micro-Stella balance. With this label of, "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified", the watch was guaranteed to remain within 3 seconds per day. The Day-Date did not have too many design changes and it is to be noted that the addition of the “hack” feature was the first change to the Day-Date model. The “hack” feature allowed time to be synchronized with an accurate source, by permitting the second hand to come to a halt while the winding stem was pulled out completely. The Day-Date was found in 18kg gold or platinum.


With the origin of the Quick-set feature in the Rolex Datejust model, the Day-Date model saw a few other changes. In addition to giving it a slimmer and a much better appearance, the sapphire crystal added to the reliability of the watch. It also made it scratch resistant. In comparison to the current model which is safe under water depths of up to 100 meters, the early Day-Date models were safe under water depths of approximately 50 meters (165 feet). With the onset of the “Double Quick-Set” feature, another improvement to the Day-Date came about in 1990. Through the winding system, one could quickly set the date and day in the 18238 model. At the same time, Rolex majorly augmented their prized, “Crown Collection” to include a cast of precious stones, although these were available right from the beginning with diamond bezels.


The bracelet was named the “President” but nowhere on the Day-Date dial is the word “President” found. However “Lady-President” is the name given to the Lady Datejust that features a “President” bracelet. The Day-Date model was launched in 2000 by Rolex with an option of an Oyster bracelet, model 11820. This model is available with a concealed clasp, in 18k yellow gold, white gold, and pink gold which is also known as “rose” gold. Also it is about 30% heavier than any other Day-Date model and is considered the heaviest mode amongst all Day-Date models.


Melrose Jewelers is Canada’s largest online retailer of genuine Preowned Rolex and Used Rolex watches with over 400 Mens & Lady Rolex President and Datejust watches in stock. Melrose Jewelers also supplies its used Rolex watches to over 200 retail jewelry stores worldwide through its Wholesale Rolex division. Jewelers interested in buying and reselling our wristwatches can contact us at salesteam@melrosejewelers.ca or call us at 1-416-800-1055.