The quintessential luxury watch, the Rolex Day-Date is one of the brand’s most deluxe timepieces exclusively constructed in either 18k gold or platinum. The Day-Date is actually better known as the Rolex President for two main reasons.
The Chocolate Day-Date
When the Day-Date made its debut in 1956 it was presented on the President bracelet, which was designed specifically for the watch. That particular bracelet, coupled with the fact that the Day-Date quickly became a favorite among world leaders, including US presidents, forever christened the Day-Date as the Rolex President — even when the watch does not include the bracelet, as in this particular case.
The Chocolate Day-Date’s History
Launched in 2013, the Rolex Day-Date ref. 118135 is one of the latest models of the President watch and is still currently available in the brand’s catalog. Six different versions of the Day-Date were released simultaneously that year, offering a vibrant range of luxury timepieces for both men and women. The different colored dials — blue, cherry, chocolate, rhodium, green, and cognac — are reminiscent of the popular vintage Rolex “Stella” dials of the 1970s. The vintage Stella Rolex dials had colorful enamel dials that set them apart from other Rolex watches of the era and are a favorite among celebrities and collectors today. Today’s bright Day-Dates with their matching leather bracelets are a fresh and welcomed iteration of a traditional, classic, and prestigious Rolex.
A Few Iterations
This particular Rolex President ref. 118135 sports an 18k Everose pink gold 36mm Oyster case, which is perfectly suited for both a man’s or woman’s wrist. The case is accented with the iconic Rolex fluted bezel, also in Everose gold, while the chocolate dial bears the characteristic pair of windows. The window at 12 o’clock indicates the day of the week written in full and the aperture at 3 o’clock reveals the date. The luminescent stick indexes are subtly marked with an outer track with diminutive Roman numerals and, as with a number of modern Rolex watches, the ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX markings on the inner bezel ring is present as an anti-counterfeit measure. The warmth of the pink gold and chocolate dial is further accentuated with the tobacco leather strap outfitted with an Everose pink gold folding Oysterclasp.
Powered by the ever-reliable Rolex Caliber 3155, the Rolex Day-Date ref. 118135 has a power reserve of 48 hours and water resistance to 330 feet (100 meters). The COSC-certified automatic mechanical movement boasts a precision of +2/-2 seconds per day — which is actually double the requirements set out by COSC, thus the watch rightly earns its “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” label.
Among the six colorful Rolex President watches, the ref. 118135 presents the most classic aesthetic with its pink and brown tones, while still maintaining its contemporary and lively appeal.
