If you’ve ever imagined seeing the Presidential Rolex on your wrist, don’t feel alone. Since the production of the very first design for the President’s watch, collectors and those who appreciate the finer things in life have held up this watch as an example of what excellence in design, function, and quality can create. Would you like to know more about this Rolex watch and why it might be perfect for you? Here’s some basic information that you can put to good use.
The Beginnings of the Design
The initial Rolex Presidential design emerged in 1956. While many other brands have followed suit in the decades since, the Presidential Day Date offered something that wasn’t seen prior to that time: the face included the day of the week displayed in a window at the 12 o’clock position. This was augmented with a separate window placed at the 3 o’clock position, displaying the date of the month.
The unique face design was not the only thing about the Presidential that was new and exciting. Along with the watch itself, the band was something that was a little different from what had been seen up to this point. Typically referred to as the Presidential bracelet, the band design sported semi-circular links that gave the original launch even more visual appeal.
All of these features remain in the various enhancements made over the years. Even today, the newer ones look much like the initial 1956 launch. What has changed is the technology and some of the subtle design changes and additions that have helped the watch remain a perennial favorite.
Enhancements Over the Years
During the first two decades after the initial launch, Rolex introduced what’s known as the 18xx series. These Day Date watches focused mainly on improving the functions of the watch movements. In order to ensure that the discriminating client had options, the 18xx series included options for a yellow gold, rose gold, and a white gold Rolex President Day Date. The improved movements coupled with the options in different gold hues helped to keep the demand for the design high. Things would only get better in later years when the Rolex Presidential platinum was introduced.
More features followed, such as being able to stop the second hand by pulling the winding crown outward. During the last two decades of the 20th century, Rolex expanded the types of bezels available with the Presidential Day Date designs while further enhancing the movements. That included some self-winding movements that appealed to a fresh generation of buyers.
One other enhancement of note is the introduction of the Lady’s Presidential Rolex. The design comes with a number of features that remain popular among all Presidential designs. For example, one of the more popular offerings sports a fluted yellow gold bezel with an original silver diamond dial. The hidden crown clasp with the bracelet helps to add more of a seamless look. Overall, the design is one that works well with everything from business attire to formal evening wear.
The Enduring Popularity
Throughout it’s history, this Rolex Day Date has remained a popular choice. That comes as no surprise when considering how the Rolex Day Date gold combines classic styling with features that help to set it apart from the competition. The fact that this particular design has such a timeless quality means that it never seems to go out of style. Even in an age when digital watches continue to gain ground in many markets, the simplicity of the face ensures there will be a place for the Presidential designs for a long time.
A Worthy Investment
While many buyers are interested in purchasing a pre owned Rolex President for their personal use, the value of these watches has not escaped collectors. While this is true even with the more contemporary editions, there’s a steady demand for gold, silver, and platinum President Rolex watches produced prior to 1972. Fortunately, the quality of Rolex watches in general has assured that most of the watches produced over time still exist. What’s not quite so fortunate for collectors and investors is that only a select few make it back into the market. People simply don’t want to part with them very often.
What would it cost to invest in a vintage Presidential watch? Looking around the market today, you may be lucky enough to find some editions that are available for less than $10,000 USD. Others will cost $50,000 USD or more. The Rolex Presidential price depends greatly on what’s currently available, which features seem to be enjoying more popularity at the moment, and the general condition of the individual watch.
Any way that you consider it, the watches are a sound investment. Some would say they present a stabler investment opportunity than other traditional options. Given how the watches have consistently appreciated in value as the years pass, there are reasons to give some credence to that idea.
Key Features That are Sure to Please
Features as well as appearance help to keep the Presidential Day Date on the cutting edge. A good example is the Rolex Day-Date II President Black Dial Automatic Platinum Men’s Watch, one of the higher end designs. This particular Rolex Presidential 41mm casing is paired with a polished bezel, a black concentric circle dial, and minute markers around the rim. The traditional windows at the 12 and 3 o’clock positions remain, as does the automatic movement.
Buyers will find that most of the Presidential watches are designed for water resistance remaining intact for a minimum of 330 feet (100 meters.) While few people plan on wearing a Presidential watch into the pool, it’s nice to know that your watch is likely to survive a mishap that included a landing in water for a short time.
Are you excited by the idea of possibly owning a Rolex Day Date? Now is a great time to find out more about what’s currently available. Take the time to browse and compare features like faces, size, metals used, and how the watch itself would look on your wrist. The problem won’t be finding several Presidential watches that you like; instead it will be deciding which one happens to be the right one to purchase now.