Brand: Rolex
Model: Oyster Perpetual Day Date Ref. 18346
Movement: Cal. 3155 Automatic
Functions: Day & Date, hours, minutes, central seconds
Case: 36mm, Platinum, Pave Bezel
Dial: Diamond indexes and baguettes
Crystal: Sapphire
Bracelet: Platinum
Year: Circa 1996
Set: Original Box and papers, instructions
The case of this Rolex Day-Date is preserved in good vintage condition. There are signs of wear visible throughout, consistent with wear over time. On the reverse, the milling on the case-back is nicely preserved, with small marks and grazes visible. The case is original to the watch, with appropriately corresponding serial numbers, consistent with the year of manufacture. The caseback also further exhibits strongly-defined, original hallmarks on the reverse of the lugs.
Crafted of the most noble of all metals, this platinum Day-Date is further enhanced with diamonds on the bezel and a nice heavy President bracelet.
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. The silhouette, complication and name alone is now recognised globally.
Colloquially referred to as the “President”, the Rolex Day-Date earned the nickname in a typically brilliant marketing move by the brand. Reportedly, they gifted 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 versatility, prestige, nor value, have faded since.
The Day-Date combines many of Rolex’s most successful innovations from the last century, including their 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. This version of the Day-Date, the reference 18038, was first launched in 1977, introducing a sapphire crystal and quickset date feature.
Calibre 3155 is a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. It features a day and date calendar disc mechanism. Like all Rolex Perpetual movements, the 3155 is a certified Swiss chronometer, a designation reserved for high-precision watches that have successfully passed the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) tests. Its architecture, in common with all Oyster watch movements, makes it singularly reliable.
Caliber 3155 stands at 6.00mm tall and features 31 jewels. It was introduced in 1988.
This Rolex Day-Date is accompanied by its original leather box, instructions manual and Warranty.