Evolution of the Rolex Day-Date
The
Rolex Day-Date was introduced in 1956 and has seen various technical updates during the ages. Here is a small summary of those updates:
The Rolex Day-Date was the first watch to sport a date feature and the week day spelt out in FULL (comes in 26 languages).
The first model, the reference 6511, only lasted a year.
1957: The Day-Date receives its first update and became the model 6611 due to the cal. 1055 with a free-sprung balance with MicroStella adjusting screws. This made the watch much more accurate, and the chronometer designation on the dial was therefore changed to "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" instead of "Officially Certified Chronometer".
1959: Introduction of the Cal. 1555 in model 1803 with 18,000 bph (beats per hour).
1965: Launch of the Cal. 1556 (still in model 1803) with 19,800 bph.
1972: Hack feature of the seconds hands (stop seconds hand by unscrewing and pulling the crown out into its last position).
1977 / 78: New movement: The Cal. 3055 with Quick-Set of the date (but not the day). Model 18038. Introduction of a sapphire crystal on the Day-Date, as well. This increased water resistance for the original 50 metres (165 feet) to 100 metres (330 feet) and also made for a slimmer appearance of the Day-Date.
1988 / 89: The Cal. 3055 is updated and becomes the Cal. 3155 with Double Quick set of both day and date (model 18238).
2000: Various updates to the Day-Date models. Updates include:
Solid centre links and flush fitting endlinks (which makes the new Day-Date approx. 35% heavier than 18238 models). Although the centre links on the Day-Date 18238 appeared solid, in fact they weren't.
Polished lugs.
Very slightly domed sapphire crystal.
Lume added to "sticks" (hour markers) on the stick dial.
Laser etched coronet on crystal at 6 o'clock.
2003: Updated clasp (more solid in structure).
2006: Engraved "ROLEXROLEX" on the rehaut (i.e.: angled ring along the dial).
2008: Day-Date II in 41mm with Cal. 3156, sporting the new inhouse Paraflex© shock protection system.
