3 Things To Know About The Rolex Day-Date 40

The Day-Date is arguably the only Rolex wristwatch offered exclusively in precious metal – gold or platinum – making it the brand’s most exclusive timepiece. Nicknamed “President” because it was worn by several American presidents, including Lyndon Johnson, the Day-Date was introduced in 1956 in a 36mm case.

A new size
Modestly sized by modern standards, the Day-Date remained 36mm until 2008, when a 41mm model was added to the line-up. Often criticised for being too large, the 41mm Day-Date II was replaced this year with the Day-Date 40.

Warmly received because it is proportioned exactly like the 36mm original, the Day-Date 40 is not just a facelift. In fact, it is equipped with a newly developed movement with 14 patents, arguably the most sophisticated movement Rolex offers.

A new calibre with 14 patents
Like the earlier Day-Date watches, the new calibre 3255 has an instantaneous calendar, meaning both the day and date displays change within a fraction of a second at midnight. This precision mechanism ensures the calendar is instantly legible at all times.

The practicality of the Day-Date 40 is also boosted by the longer power reserve of 70 hours, a 50% increase over the original Day-Date. Accomplished with a thinner barrel and optimised gear transmission, the extended power reserve means the watch can be taken off on Friday and still be running on Monday.

The first watch with the new Rolex escapement
And the Day-Date 40 is also the first Rolex watch featuring the new Chronergy escapement. Essentially the heart of the timepiece, the escapement boasts higher efficiency, meaning it will keep good time while lengthening service intervals.

As is traditional for the Day-Date, the new version is available only in platinum as well as 18k white, yellow or rose gold. New dial finishes were developed for the Day-Date 40, and found on no other model. They including etched guilloche patterns as well as a quadrant motif dial.

This new Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 will be exclusively exhibited in Singapore from 11 to 24 January 2016. Be the first to catch it:

Rolex Boutique

#01-02 ION Orchard

Operating Hours: 10.30 am to 9.00pm

The Hour Glass is the official retailer of Rolex timepieces in Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Australia and Thailand.

If you’re interested in the Rolex Day-Date 40, you can find more information by visiting us at any one of our boutiques, speaking with our Sales Consultant or simply click here.