Baselworld 2019 is finally upon us, which means a whole batch of novelties to comb through. As is the case every year, most eyes are on Rolex’s new releases. While most of the attention is undoubtedly on their new sports watches, some of Rolex’s new dress watches are worth a discussion too. Here’s an overview of the new Rolex Day-Date 36 collection for 2019, equipped with a new caliber and new dial treatments.
New Generation Rolex Day-Date 36
When Rolex debuted the new Caliber 3255 with improved power reserve, precision, and resistance inside the Day-Date 40 in 2015, it was only a matter of time that the smaller Day-Date 36 models would get the same treatment. And four years later, here they are.
In terms of design, the new-generation Day-Date 36 watches retain the iconic Rolex President style from the precious metal construction to the pair of calendar windows on the dial, to the semi-circular links on the metal bracelets. For this release, Rolex offers the new Day-Date 36 watches in 18k yellow gold, 18k white gold, and 18k Everose gold (Rolex’s patented rose gold alloy) – some with fluted bezels and some with diamond-set bezels.
There are a few dial options to choose from and the ombré styles in green, brown, and blue with diamond hour markers are particularly striking. Although Rolex labels these concentric gradient dials as “novel,” those familiar with vintage Rolex watches will immediately recognize the similarity to vignette dials found on some older Day-Date and Datejust models.
Other dials offered thus far in the new Day-Date 36 collection include two hard stoned dials (another vintage style throwback), one in pink opal and the other in veined turquoise. Finally, there’s also a full diamond pavé dial, further embellished with 10 baguette-cut, rainbow-colored sapphire indexes.
Can We Call These Rolex Lady President Watches?
Whether with a 41, 40, or 36mm case, the Day-Date, aka the Rolex President, has always been officially classified as a men’s watch. On the other hand, a ladies’ Rolex President refers to Lady-Datejust models fitted with a President bracelet. Even right now, if you visit Rolex’s website and click on the “Men’s Watches” tab, these new Day-Date 36 watches appear. Conversely, if you go to the “Women’s Watches” section, they are nowhere to be found.
But seriously, look at these new Day-Date watches – some of them are undeniably a bit feminine in design. I’m not saying a guy can’t rock these bejeweled gold watches but it’s clear that Rolex is targeting a female audience with some of these new iterations. After all, it’s no secret that women have been wearing the Day-Date 36 for decades, so it makes sense to offer designs with a more feminine flair. But I don’t get why Rolex won’t put them in the ladies’ section on the website.
Rolex Day-Date 36 Specifications:
- Diameter: 36 mm
- Case Material: 18k yellow gold (ref. 128238 & ref. 128348RBR), 18k white gold (ref. 128239 & ref. 128349RBR), 18k Everose gold (ref. 128235 & ref. 128345RBR)
- Dial options: Green ombré with diamonds, brown ombré with diamonds, blue ombré with diamonds, pink opal with diamonds, veined turquoise with diamonds, diamond pavé with sapphires
- Strap/Bracelet: President bracelet with concealed folding Crownclasp
- Movement: Caliber 3255 self-winding
- Functions: Instantaneous day and date in apertures at 12 and 3 o’clock, secure rapid-setting
- Precision: −2/+2 sec/day, after casing
- Power Reserve: 70 hours
