Originally introduced in 1956, as the reference 6510 and 6511, the highly-successful Day-Date was designed as a luxury sports-watch, manufactured exclusively in precious metals. Perhaps one of the most famous of a breed of dress-watches from the late 1950s and early 60s, the , is simple and clean in design, with excellent resistance to both shock and moisture.

Since its introduction, the Rolex Day-Date has become one of the most popular watches in the Rolex catalogue. Understated in appearance and size, it offers a practical, versatile alternative to Rolex’s other highly-purposeful wristwatches - Chronometer-certified, waterproof and with a near-perfect aesthetic balance.

Colloquially referred to as the “President”, the Rolex Day-Date earned the nickname in a typically genius marketing move by the brand - reportedly gifting a Day-Date watch to then President of the United States, Dwight Eisenhower. The brand claimed in its marketing materials of the time that “Men who guide the history of the world, wear Rolex watches” and neither the Day-Date’s ageless elegance, prestige, nor high value, have faded since. The “President” name is often associated with a particular style bracelet, accompanying many Rolex Day-Date watches.

The reference 18039, of which this watch is an excellent example, was introduced in the 1970s and shares that classically Rolex quality, of utilitarian functionality, married with classical design. The reference 18039 housed the calibre 3055, with single-quick-set date.

The Day-Date combined many of Rolex’s most successful innovations, including Rolex’s two-piece, screw-down case. In 1926, the ‘Oyster’ case became the very first waterproof wristwatch case to be produced serially, as well as the first fully-integrated waterproof case overall. This particular case dates to circa 1982 (serial 730 XXXX).

The dial of this Rolex Day-Date is in exceptionally good condition, with a brushed silver finish, applied baton index markers and the classic 'ROLEX’ and ‘OYSTER PERPETUAL’ - ‘DAY-DATE’ references on it. Like the hour markers, the tritium lume on the hands has aged to a creamy yellow patina, matching the indexes perfectly. Both the day and date windows on the dial are subtle in colouration, complimenting the index markers and hands.

Inside the watch, it houses Rolex’s calibre 3055 ‘Officially Certified Superlative Chronometer’ grade automatic movement. The mechanism features 27 jewels and KIF shock-protection, beating at a rate of 28,800 A/h, with a power-reserve of 48 hours. Introduced in the late 1970s, the calibre 3055 was Rolex’s fifth generation Day-Date movement, featuring an increased beat rate of 28,800 A/h (up from 19,800) and highly-practical, single-quick-set date function. This replaced the cal. 1556, used since 1965.

The watch comes fully-equipped with its original, 18-carat gold Rolex “president-link” bracelet and folding-clasp (stamped 8385). The bracelet is preserved in excellent condition, with minimal stretch throughout. It has its original box and Day-Date booklet (images to follow), though no original paperwork (just the servicing receipt).

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment only.

Closer look

Brand:	Rolex
Model:	Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Ref. 18039
Movement:	mechanical automatic Cal. 3055
Functions:	date, weekday, hours, minutes, centre seconds
Features:	unrestored silver dial
Case:	36 mm 18-carat white gold
Crystal:	sapphire
Bracelet:	18-carat president bracelet
Year:	1982
Box & papers:	box, Day-Date booklet, calendar, servicing receipt