Introduced in 1956 as ref. 6511, the Day-Date was the first wristwatch to display both the date and the day of the week spelled out in full. It has only ever been produced in precious metal—yellow, white, or rose gold, or platinum—and paired with the semi-circular three-link President bracelet designed for it. The 1803, produced from 1959 to 1977, is the vintage collector's benchmark: fluted bezel, pie-pan dial, and a case that has aged into some of the most beautiful patina in horology. Dials with 'stella' lacquer colors (turquoise, coral, salmon) command extraordinary premiums; wood dials, stone dials, and factory diamond settings each carry their own market. The 18038 modernized the movement in 1978; the 18238 added sapphire in 1988. A vintage Day-Date is jewelry as much as it is watchmaking.
← The Rolex Directory
Model
Rolex Day-Date (President)
The watch of presidents—precious metal, spelled-out day, President bracelet.
- Introduced
- 1956
- Case sizes
- 36mm · 40mm · 41mm
- Notable references
- 6511180318071803818238118238228238
What to watch for
Refinished stella dials (heat-sensitive lacquer is easily ruined), aftermarket diamonds, and worn-thin President bracelets.