Rolex released the Day-Date ref. 18239 in the late 1980s. Also known as the “President’s Watch,” the Rolex Day-Date is closely associated with some of the world’s most influential leaders and public figures, including (you guessed it) many former American Presidents. It’s always presented in precious metal, further cementing its status as a symbol of power, success, and prestige. If you want to make a bold statement on the wrist that says, “I’ve made it,” the Rolex Day-Date is the watch to wear.
Rolex has released countless editions of their legendary double calendar watch since the collection hit the market in 1956, including the topic of this review, the unique Tridor Rolex Day-Date ref. 18239. But what is the Rolex Tridor? Join us as we take a closer look at this exceptional watch.
Click here for our Ultimate Buying Guide on the Rolex Day-Date.
What is a Rolex Tridor?
The Rolex term “Tridor” refers to the pairing of three different precious metals, specifically 18k rose, yellow, and white gold. Each metal is fused together, creating perfect, contrasting stripes of different colors of gold that run through the entire length of the bracelet.
The outer links are presented in 18k white gold to match the case, which is usually surrounded by a fluted bezel in yellow gold. The striped center links create intrigue and dimension and reflect 1980s jewelry fashion. Today, the Rolex Tridor is a prized collector’s item among horology enthusiasts for its exclusive retro design.
A President To Remember: Tridor Features
Aside from being the watch of a President, the ref. 18239 features automatic winding technology and a 31-jewel movement. The Rolex President was known for its chronometer-certified precision and, with a waterproof case resistant to a depth of 100 meters, was also known for its durability. The timepiece is topped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with a Cyclops lens that magnifies the date for easier at-a-glance reading.
When the Rolex Day-Date hit the market in the 1950s, it was the first wristwatch to feature both the date and the day of the week spelled out in full on the dial. The date mechanism was already an established mechanism, first appearing on the Datejust a decade prior in 1945. It is ever-present at the 3-hour marker beneath the Cyclops magnification lens. What makes the Day-Date so special is the second display at 12 o’clock, presenting the day spelled out in full, not abbreviated. An innovation of its time, the extra window has since become one of the Rolex Day-Date’s most distinguishing features.
To make the ref. 18239 even more appealing, Rolex used the finest 18k white gold to construct the case and bracelet. The Tridor versions of the watch feature a yellow gold fluted bezel, while the standard version is completely finished in 18k white gold. The President bracelet is exclusive to the Day-Date collection, except for a handful of midsize and Lady-Datejust models. It features semi-circular links that hug the wrist nicely and a concealed Crownclasp that is virtually hidden from the rest of the links, aside from the tell-tale Rolex coronet.
The Movement: Rolex Caliber 3155
Powering the Rolex Tridor 18239 is the Caliber 3155 movement, which boasts self-winding technology. This means that the movement powers itself from the motion of the wearer’s wrist. If worn regularly, there is no need to wind ref. 18239 or set the time or dual calendar apertures. With that said, the movement boasts a 48-hour power reserve. You can put this watch down for a night or two, and it should still read true when you put it back on again.
The Rolex Caliber 3155 also boasts a Double Quickset function, a feature that allows the wearer to adjust either the day or date mechanism with a quick twist of the crown instead of winding it a full 24-hours to advance them day-by-day. Lastly, the Cal. 3155 is chronometer rated, meaning that it has met Rolex’s strict standards for precision and excellence.
Rolex 18239 Tridor Price
The visual appeal and impressive construction of the Rolex President certainly leave an impression of luxury and success. Because of its strong appeal, the Rolex President is highly sought after by collectors. However, prices among Rolex President watches can vary depending on several factors, including its release date, dial configuration, and the timepiece’s overall condition. Pre-owned Rolex prices for reference 18239 watches range anywhere between $18k and $25k, although examples with Rolex’s signature Tridor finish typically command a bit more, with most prices starting out at around $19k to $23k on the secondary market.
Rolex is an enduring luxury brand, and the Day-Date is a cornerstone of their portfolio that has been in production for decades. We expect the Day-Date to hold its value well, long-term. With the exclusive use of precious metals, we’re even more confident that the reference 18239 will remain a valuable part of your collection for years to come, should you choose to invest.
The Best Place to Buy the Rolex Tridor President 18239
Where is the best place to buy the Rolex 18239? Sadly, this edition of the Day-Date was discontinued long ago and is now only available secondhand. However, there are numerous reputable dealers where you can find this exceptional Rolex, including Bob’s Watches. Our entire inventory is in stock right now and ready to ship. We also put each Rolex that comes through our doors through a rigorous certification process to guarantee its authenticity. You can shop the Rolex Tridor 18239 with confidence because every single timepiece on our site is backed by our lifetime authenticity guarantee.
When it comes to collectible Rolex watches that hold their value and will capture the attention of even the most experienced luxury watch collectors, the Tridor Day-Date ref. 18239 is hard to beat. It’s unlike any other Rolex on the market today. You’ll also be in excellent company with other notable Day-Date owners, including the likes of Ronald Reagan, Martin Luther King Jr., the Dalai Lama, and, more recently, musician Bruno Mars and actor Justin Theroux.
