The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date is a mouthful. That’s probably half the reason collectors began giving this famous timepiece nicknames – just to make it easier to identify. To make things even more confusing, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date actually has two nicknames.
However, Rolex’s flagship watch collection does has a few defining features that will always help you identify it with a quick glance. Today, we’re taking a closer look at all the basics you need to know about this watch – from breaking down the name, the nicknames, and all the defining elements. Let’s take a closer look.
Breaking down the name
Before we get into the defining features of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date, let’s break down exactly what this long name refers to. Piece by piece, the long-winded name actually tells you a lot about this watch and what it does.
Oyster:
- This refers to the case, the famous Oyster case used by Rolex in nearly all of their watches. The case, first introduced in 1926, was the world’s first waterproof case. It is defined by its use of a screw down crown and caseback, which together seal it against moisture.
Perpetual:
- This refers to the movement, which is a ‘Perpetual’ or self-winding movement.
Day:
- This refers to the day of the week that appears through a window in the top of the dial, between eleven and one o’clock.
Date:
- This refers to the date mechanism which is situated under a Cyclops magnification lens over at the three o’clock location.
Defining features
Originally released in 1956, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date was the first watch in the world to display both the date and the day of the week spelled out in full. Since its initial introduction, this has been the most prominent and defining feature of this watch.
Additionally, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date is only ever forged out of precious metals like 18k gold or platinum. Famously, the Day-Date has its very own bracelet, called the ‘President’ that you can only find on this watch (along with certain precious metal versions of small and midsize Datejust watches). However, despite having its own exclusive ‘President’ bracelet design, you can still get the Rolex Day-Date with other strap and bracelet options.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Nicknames
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date has two nicknames. The first is the ‘President’ or ‘Presidential’ – which is now a reference to both the bracelet and the various U.S. Presidents and world dignitaries who have worn this watch over the years. The Rolex President, as it came to be known among collectors, represented luxury, power, and success, which helped skyrocket this timepiece to another level of fame and notoriety.
The second nickname for the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date is simply the ‘Day-Date.’ This shortening of the name really cuts to the point of what this watch does and what it’s famous for, especially since nearly every watch that Rolex produces now has the words ‘Oyster’ and ‘Perpetual’ in its official title. The ‘Day-Date’ name is also probably what you’ll hear it referred to most, including official Rolex marketing and informational materials.
