Rolex model

Rolex Day-Date: history, references and official videos

The Rolex Day-Date, launched in 1956, was the first watch to spell out both the day and the date, and it has only ever been made in precious metals. This page explains its generations and what drives the value of a Day-Date today, and shows the official Rolex videos about the model.

Introduced: 1956 (Ref. 6511)
Metals: 18 ct gold or 950 platinum
Sizes today: 36 mm and 40 mm
Movement (Day-Date 40): Calibre 3255, 72-hour power reserve
Auction result: about $1.2 million (2019)

Rolex New Watches 2026 – Day-Date 40 – official video by Rolex on YouTube

Where the Day-Date comes from

Rolex presented the Day-Date in 1956. It was the first watch to show both the date and the day of the week spelled out in full, in a window at 12 o'clock. Rolex meant it as its flagship, and the first reference, the 6511, was offered only in 18 ct gold or platinum. That rule has defined the model ever since: the Day-Date is made in precious metals only. It also introduced the three-link President bracelet, which Rolex was calling by that name by 1957. The name comes from the association with US presidents; Lyndon B. Johnson is reported to have been the first president to wear a gold Day-Date, in 1965.

The main Day-Date generations

Collectors usually sort the Day-Date by reference family. The digits give a rough idea of the era, and the calibre tells you how the date and day can be set.

Series	Years	References	Case	Movement
Original series	from 1956	6510, 6511	36 mm	Self-winding
180x series	from 1959	1802 (smooth bezel), 1803 (fluted bezel)	36 mm	Calibre 1555, 18,000 vph
180xx series	from 1977	180xx references	Sapphire crystal replaced acrylic	Calibre 3055, quickset date
182xx / 183xx series	1988 – late 1990s	182xx and 183xx	—	Calibre 3155, double quickset for date and day
Day-Date II	2008 – 2015	e.g. 218238 (yellow gold)	41 mm	—
Day-Date 40	since 2015	40 mm references	40 mm	Calibre 3255, 72-hour power reserve

The 1803 with its fluted bezel is often called the best-known reference of the early series, while the 1802 has a smooth bezel. The day can be shown in 26 languages, a feature Rolex has offered since 1973. Rolex retired the Day-Date II in 2015 and now offers the model in 36 mm and 40 mm.

Dials, metals and special versions

Because every Day-Date is gold or platinum, the differences lie in the metal, bezel, bracelet and dial. Rolex offers 18 ct yellow, white and Everose gold and 950 platinum. Dials range from plain colors to diamond-set and decorative stone dials. Rolex has also made lacquered dials in bright colors, known among enthusiasts as "Stella" dials. Rolex's own description of the watch highlights the fluted bezel, which it links to the waterproofness of the case, and the redesigned President bracelet with ceramic inserts on the current Day-Date 40.

What is a Rolex Day-Date worth?

The value depends first on the metal: platinum, white, yellow and Everose gold all price differently, and a heavy gold case and bracelet carry real material value. After that come the reference and generation, the dial (rare stone, lacquer or diamond-set dials are sought after), the condition of the case and bracelet, whether it has been polished heavily, and whether box and papers are present. Replaced dials, bezels or bracelet links lower the price.

Documented auction results show how high the best examples go: Jack Nicklaus's personal gold Reference 1803 sold for about $1.2 million including fees at Phillips in New York in December 2019. Most Day-Dates trade at far lower levels.

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Official Rolex Day-Date videos

All videos come from the official Rolex YouTube channel. They show the dials, the Day-Date 36 and 40 and how to set the watch – the setting guide is How to Set Your Rolex Day-Date 40.

More Rolex videos, sorted by model: all official Rolex playlists.

Sources (6)

SwissWatchExperts is not affiliated with Rolex. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners; the videos are embedded from the official Rolex YouTube channel.

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Frequently asked questions

When was the Rolex Day-Date introduced?

Rolex presented the Day-Date in 1956. It was the first watch to show the date and the day of the week spelled out in full.

What is the Day-Date made of?

Only precious metals: 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold, or 950 platinum. Rolex offered the first reference, the 6511, only in gold or platinum.

What sizes does the Day-Date come in?

The original 1956 references measured 36 mm. The Day-Date II of 2008 was 41 mm. Today Rolex offers 36 mm and 40 mm.

Which movement is inside a Day-Date?

It depends on the generation: calibre 1555 from 1959, 3055 from 1977, 3155 from 1988 and calibre 3255 in the Day-Date 40 since 2015.

Why is it called the President?

The three-link bracelet was called the President bracelet by 1957, and the watch became linked to US presidents. Lyndon B. Johnson is reported to have been the first president to wear a gold Day-Date, in 1965.

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