Produced between 2008 and 2015, the reference 218206 is the 41mm version of the iconic Rolex Day-Date watches for sale that is crafted from solid 950 platinum. First introduced in 1956 as Rolex’s new flagship line of watches, the Day-Date collection and its signature President bracelet are only ever constructed from precious metals. While Rolex still produces a platinum Day-Date, the current-production version has a 40mm case (rather than 41mm), making the Day-Date II ref. 218206 the largest platinum Rolex President that has ever been created.
Rolex Day-Date II Reference 218206
Platinum Day-Date 218206 Key Features:
– Reference Number: 218206
– Production Years: 2008 – 2015
– Case Size: 41mm
– Materials: 950 Platinum
– Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Date Display, Day-Display
– Dial: Ice Blue (Other Options Available)
– Bezel: Fixed, 950 Platinum, Smooth Style
– Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)
– Movement: Rolex Caliber 3156
– Water Resistance: 100 Meters / 330 Feet
– Strap/Bracelet: 950 Platinum President Bracelet
Click here for our Ultimate Buying Guide on the Rolex Day-Date.
What Is the Rolex Day-Date II?
When Rolex first unveiled the Day-Date in 1956, it made waves as the first calendar wristwatch to indicate both the date and the day of the week, written in full. Positioned as the most exclusive of Rolex watches and assuming the role as the brand’s new flagship collection, the Day-Date quickly became the top choice among the world’s leaders, celebrities, athletes, and businessmen.
More than half a century after the inaugural Day-Date first made an appearance, Rolex expanded its flagship luxury watch collection with the Day-Date II, marking the first time in history that Rolex’s dual calendar watch was produced with a case size other than 36mm. Making its debut at Baselworld 2008, the Day-Date II offered collectors a bigger and bolder way to wear the famous Rolex President watch.
A Bigger Rolex President
Compared to the 36mm case size of the traditional Day-Date, the 41mm size of the Day-Date II was a significant increase. Needless to say, the larger size was very well appreciated by those that had been asking for a larger Day-Date model for a number of years. 36mm is an incredibly versatile size that works well on a wide variety of wrists; however, for a statement piece, some felt that 36mm was simply too small, and this was especially true among larger wrists and fans of bigger timepieces.
Today, the Rolex Day-Date II and its slightly smaller successor, the Day-Date 40 are among the most popular luxury watches in the world. While you can frequently spot some of these larger Rolex President watches on a number of celebrities and affluent individuals, the Day-Date II and Day-Date 40 seem to be particularly popular among professional athletes, and LeBron James, Draymond Green, Devonta Freeman, and Carmelo Anthony all have multiple Rolex President watches in their collections.
Rolex Platinum Day-Date II Ref. 218206
Similar to the traditional Day-Date 36, the Rolex Day-Date II is exclusively available in either 18k gold or 950 platinum. At the top of the heap is the Day-Date II reference 218206, which is constructed almost entirely from solid platinum. From its round Oyster case to its iconic semicircular three-link President bracelet, this 41mm platinum Day-Date II is stunning.
Additionally, while the Rolex Day-Date II reference 218206 can be found with several different dials, it is also available with the elusive (and exclusive) ice blue dial. Only ever fitted to solid platinum Rolex models, ice blue dials serve as a subtle way to convey the ultra-luxurious nature of the ref. 218206’s full platinum construction. Rather than having just a straightforward metallic sunburst finish, the ice blue dial of the Rolex Day-Date II ref. 218106 is further embellished with concentric circles on the periphery, along with Roman numeral markings in a darker shade of blue that match the hands and add a beautiful overall effect to the face of the watch.
Although Rolex eventually discontinued the Day-Date II in 2015 to make way for the newer and slightly smaller Day-Date 40, the largest Rolex President is still a very popular model on the secondary market. In fact, because of its broader shape, thicker lugs, and wider bezel the Day-Date II is not just the biggest Rolex President, but also the sportiest looking one too. For those that want the largest and most exclusive Rolex Day-Date model available, the platinum President reference 218206 is a top contender and the definition of a grail watch.
Rolex 218206 – Caliber 3156 Movement
Along with its larger 41mm case size, the Rolex Day-Date II also received an updated in-house movement. Like its predecessor (the Caliber 3155), the Rolex Caliber 3136 is a self-winding mechanical movement with double Quickset functionality for the day and date displays, along with chronometer certification (like every Day-Date model that has been produced since 1956).
Operating at 28,800 beats per hour, the Rolex Caliber 3136 includes the brand’s blue Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers for optimal stability, precision, and overall reliability. As the Caliber 3156 is an evolution of the previous Cal. 3155, it also offers users a 48-hour power reserve and is exclusively found inside the 41mm Rolex Day-Date II watches.
As the largest iteration of the Day-Date and one crafted from the noblest of precious metals, the solid platinum Rolex President 218206 is a true statement piece and an unapologetically luxurious execution of the brand’s iconic dual calendar wristwatch.
What do you think of the platinum Day-Date reference 218206? In terms of shape and size, do you prefer the traditional Day-Date 36, the discontinued Day-Date II, or the current Day-Date 40? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
