Rolex Day-Date II - 2008

[Tools]

TECHNICAL FEATURES:

CASE
The Day-Date II case is crafted from a block of 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold,
or platinum. With a diameter of 41 mm, it is comfortable to wear and aesthetically
pleasing. Fitted with a fluted or polished bezel, it is waterproof to a depth of 100
metres (330 feet).

MOVEMENT
The Day-Date II is equipped with the new calibre 3156, designed and manufactured
entirely by Rolex. It is fitted with new PARAFLEX shock absorbers as well as a
PARACHROM hairspring, extremely resistant to shocks and magnetic fields.
Certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute
(COSC), it has a power reserve of 48 hours.

Weight:
Gold - 220 grams
Platinum - 278 grams

DIAL
The Day-Date II features new dials, available with either traditional or more contemporary
designs.

BRACELET
For optimal comfort,the Day-Date II is equipped with a new Super-President
bracelet and a Crownclasp, the Rolex patented invisible clasp.


REFERENCE: 218206 ***8211; 83216
Platinum case
Polished bezel
Matt black dial with black Arabic numerals
Platinum case
Polished bezel
Ice-blue dial with Roman numerals

REFERENCE: 218238 ***8211; 83218
18 ct yellow gold case
Fluted bezel
Ivory dial with Arabic numbers

REFERENCE: 218235 ***8211; 83215
18 ct Everose gold case
Fluted bezel
Pink dial with Roman numerals

REFERENCE: 218239 ***8211; 83219
18 ct white gold case
Fluted bezel
Ivory dial with Roman numerals

Rolex has made a bold move with their new Day-Date flagship. The case size has been increased to a respectable 41mm, and a new movement has been announced:


The bracelet is 21mm at the lugs but narrows to the standard size near the ends, so retailers will only have to stock one size of spare link. The platinum bracelet also features ceramic tubes, inset into the links & the swivel pins run inside the tubes, making the bracelet more flexible and less inclined to the 'binding up' that Platinum is prone to.

From the Rolex BaselWorld Press Kit:
The Day-Date II stands out. In 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold, and also in
platinum, this is a watch for the man who appreciates classical elegance and the
strength of innovation. The Day-Date II is the quintessence of Rolex***8217;s savoir-faire.
This majestic watch has a 41 mm case and a movement with a PARACHROM
hairspring, highly resistant to shocks and magnetic fields. It is equipped with new
PARAFLEX shock absorbers. Both features contribute to the watch***8217;s chronometric
precision and remarkable reliability.
To further enhance the strong identity of the Day-Date II, a new range of dials has
been introduced with a combination of contemporary and traditional designs. The
Super-President bracelet with a Crownclasp adds the final touch and offers the
level of comfort expected in such a watch.
The Day-Date II therefore continues the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date***8217;s very long
heritage and exemplifies perfect mastery of the art of watchmaking.
When it appeared in 1956, the Day-Date was a ground-breaking innovation, as it
was the first watch to display the day of the week spelt out in full. It immediately
met with great acclaim becoming recognised around the world as the watch of
decision makers and influential personalities.
Today, the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date II opens a new chapter in a history ever dedicated to excellence and prestige.


__________________

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa67/LD_album/Uniques/DAY-DATE-II_YG.jpg
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa67/LD_album/Uniques/DAY-DATE-II_P2.jpg
27558
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa67/LD_album/Uniques/DSC06124.jpg
http://www.roleks.se/b081.jpg

Links:
The Rolex Day-Date II (http://www.rolex.com/en/collection/the-new-measure/submariner/specifications/index.jsp#/en/xml/collection/the-new-measure/day-date-ii/index)

[Harry_III_UK]

Is this comparison shot I made of any use?

If not - please delete!

N.B. because it is two pics joined it is not to scale, so not designed to show size difference - just design differences.

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q221/harry_casper/2008_basel_h3/DD2_v_DD1.jpg

All the best,

Harry

[karwath]

the black dial with arabic in plat is stunning! :thumbsup:

[mailman]

Is this comparison shot I made of any use?

If not - please delete!

N.B. because it is two pics joined it is not to scale, so not designed to show size difference - just design differences.

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q221/harry_casper/2008_basel_h3/DD2_v_DD1.jpg

All the best,

Harry

AFter seing them both in person Harry, what's your opinion of the DD II? it looks to me that the bezel might be too wide for the watch? :thinking:

[Harry_III_UK]

AFter seing them both in person Harry, what's your opinion of the DD II? it looks to me that the bezel might be too wide for the watch? :thinking:

mailman - IMHO it is not just the width of the bezel - it is also the angle and finish of the bezel. It is not domed like the Day-Date and it has a mirror polished shine.

So - I just fear it will be a scratch magnet.

Then again, at the MSRP of the Day Date II in Platinum - I doubt it is a problem I will ever have personally :) :(

Harry

[mailman]

mailman - IMHO it is not just the width of the bezel - it is also the angle and finish of the bezel. It is not domed like the Day-Date and it has a mirror polished shine.

So - I just fear it will be a scratch magnet.

Then again, at the MSRP of the Day Date II in Platinum - I doubt it is a problem I will ever have personally :) :(

Harry

Thanks Harry :thumbsup:

[08BMWM5]

I was just at my local AD, he saw my watch (WG DD W/Diamonds) and obviously jumped on me, seeing how i was only 21 i knew he wanted to test me out, and they always ask to see IDS to take out the DD which i was looking at. I asked him if it was 41mm and then he paused and said"No sir, only REAL Rolex are made in 36mm" I then laughed and said so then I said so these are not the DDII? he seemed puzzled, and pulled out the book and said the wont get them till November of 08, prolly even later. Where are these pics coming from? He then tried to sell me a Plat masterpiece with meteorite dial and diamond bezel, haha.

[Chozn1]

I was just at my local AD, he saw my watch (WG DD W/Diamonds) and obviously jumped on me, seeing how i was only 21 i knew he wanted to test me out, and they always ask to see IDS to take out the DD which i was looking at. I asked him if it was 41mm and then he paused and said"No sir, only REAL Rolex are made in 36mm" I then laughed and said so then I said so these are not the DDII? he seemed puzzled, and pulled out the book and said the wont get them till November of 08, prolly even later. Where are these pics coming from? He then tried to sell me a Plat masterpiece with meteorite dial and diamond bezel, haha.

Same here only I was wearing my White Milly. I saw about the Day Date in the case and asked if it was one of the new 41mm's or not. The saleslady said it was, and pulled it out of the case. It was smaller than my Milly though, and I was like "No this is the old style". She proceeded to turn to another woman in the store (I was the only customer) and asked if any of the Rolexes were 41mm, but poses the question as if I was the one wanting to know :thumbsdow

I told her that I was only interested the the DD. Then she asked what was on my wrist after staring at it for several minutes... :bartmoon::bartmoon::bartmoon: I left

[GMTII Owner]

My three year old son saw the pictures of the watches in this thread and was saying "Nice watch, Daddy" in the background.

He might be getting the itch. Very nice pictures and great review. Thanks for sharing a thought out review.

John

[Timber Loftis]

I think the blue one is incredible. Such a gorgeous watch.

[The GMT Master]

The new polished bezel looks remarkably similar to the one on the Milgauss....with that being a 41mm case too, perhaps Rolex are beginning to move away from the old domed polished bezel?

[ral]

I just noticed that the dial says Day-Date and not Day-Date II... does this mean that the Day-Date (36mm) will be discontinued?

[craig bayliss]

I think the blue one is incredible. Such a gorgeous watch.
+ 1:thumbsup:

[MassiveAttack]

wow. very HOT!

[BigHat]

I think the blue one is incredible. Such a gorgeous watch.
+2
This is the ONE that has me worried I'll be parting with cash unless I can muster enough willpower. Would even flip one or two current ones to help.

[TheDude]

I am so sick of waiting for some real wrist shots from a real owner... You mean no one here has one of these yet? :)

[James T]

a grail watch indeed

[chazha]

once I win the Euro Million jackpot Ill pop down to buy a DDII plat with blue dial/roman numerals!! that is for sure..

oh yeah.. and a sub II bluesy plat.. oh and a SS Datejust plus Breguets, AP, Patek and many more :-D

[Spare201]

Holy Crap, thae pic of the DD2 in PL with the glacier blue dial is stunning.

[ral]

The flagship of the new Day-Date II is the platinum Ref 218206 Oyster Perpetual Day-Date II with a polished bezel and a Super President bracelet which has a manufacturers suggested retail price of US$51050.

Adding 8 round and 2 baguette diamonds on the dial brings the price up to $53550.

The Ref 218235 Oyster Perpetual Day-Date II in 18k rose gold with a fluted bezel and a Super President bracelet has a MRSP of $30200. Adding 8 round and 2 baguette diamonds on the dial will set you back $32700.

The 18k white gold model of the Day-Date II (Ref 218239) is priced the same as the rose gold model.

Priced a bit lower is the 18k yellow gold Ref 218238 with a MSRP of $27650.
Adding 8 round and 2 baguette diamonds on the dial $30150.

All the gold models are only available with fluted bezels.

[Yume-sama]

Really not a fan of the polished bezel on the Platinum, I would never buy that. It would need to have some diamonds around it to cover it up.

[C6Racing]

All the gold models are only available with fluted bezels.

Sorry to hear that , the round bezel on my Day-Date is one of my favorite features , and sets the watch apart from most other DD's .

Personally , I am not thrilled overall with the watch - To me it seems Rolex is messing with perfection in the name of getting on the big watch trend , just IMO .

[ral]

The gold models weigh in at ~220 grams with the platinum a bit heavier at 278gms.

I put on two watches on the same wrist today, to approximate the 278 grams. That would be fairly heavy for me (I am 5'-11" weight around 175 lbs.).

[ral]

Not the best pictures for comparison, but it does appear both drawings are more or less to scale:

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/3839/ddgp1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/ddgp1.jpg/1/w450.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img519/ddgp1.jpg/1/)

[Yume-sama]

The bezel just is not very attractive. I don't understand why they would go and make it so much... fatter. I don't even think being fluted would save it... the only thing that could is diamonds.

[ral]

While I cannot say for certain whether these images are exactly to scale, they do appear to be close enough.

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/286/mgddiihj7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/mgddiihj7.jpg/1/w450.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img515/mgddiihj7.jpg/1/)

The Rolex Milgauss, which has a bezel similar in design to the Rolex Day-Date II, has a slimmer bezel relative to the dial and appears more "balanced." The Day-Date II has a more imposing look to it.

Pictures from SwissLuxury (http://www.swissluxury.com/rolex-watches-day-date-ii-president.htm).

[gone-rolex-mad]

I'll stick to the original, better proportions!

[golfball123]

yes, original size is better as the DD is a cool dress watch

[ral]

I don't know, the new Platinum one is starting to grow on me.

[golfball123]

platinum too pricey for me...

[SUPERDOC]

I wonder why the face doesn't say 'Day-Date II'

I'm still on the fence... the classic 36mm is so elegant.

41mm is very big for a dress watch... I have a 41mm aqua terra, and it is a big chunk of metal...

everyone is making a big deal about the deepsea, when that is only a 3mm increase in diametre...this one jumps up 5mm, and no one has batted an eye...

[JJ Irani]

...this one jumps up 5mm, and no one has batted an eye...

That's 'cause most of us were waiting for such a jump. Of course, this is in anticipation that some day Rolex will decide to pump up the DJ from 36 to 41 mm......and that'll be the day to really celebrate. :cheers:

JJ

[chicagowatchman]

I wonder why the face doesn't say 'Day-Date II'




I think the reason is they are still useing the 36mm dials....they should have made the dial larger and the bezel smaller:banghead::banghead::banghead:

[JJ Irani]

I think the reason is they are still useing the 36mm dials....they should have made the dial larger and the bezel smaller:banghead::banghead::banghead:

How can a 36 mm dial fit into a 41 mm watch? :thinking:

The dials are new, compatible with the larger case.

JJ

[ral]

I wonder why the face doesn't say 'Day-Date II'

I'm still on the fence... the classic 36mm is so elegant.

41mm is very big for a dress watch... I have a 41mm aqua terra, and it is a big chunk of metal...

everyone is making a big deal about the deepsea, when that is only a 3mm increase in diametre...this one jumps up 5mm, and no one has batted an eye...

I do not think it is the 43mm case diameter of the Deepsea that cause people to take note... it was the 18mm case thickness.

platinum too pricey for me...

Unfortunately that is true for me, and a lot of us I suspect.

270g or so... how in his right mind would wear a watch like that :thumbsdow and look at the size of that bezel... Rolex taking designs ques from Rado? :thumbsdow:thumbsdow

Sigh... it does not help... it is still growing on me :crying:

[JJ Irani]

I do not think it is the 43mm case diameter of the Deepsea that cause people to take note... it was the 18mm case thickness.

Correct!! :thumbsup: The width of 43 mm is pretty acceptable to most. The thickness may not be everyone's cuppa!!

JJ

[ral]

How can a 36 mm dial fit into a 41 mm watch? :thinking:

The dials are new, compatible with the larger case.

JJ

The dial is new and a bit larger. If they had used the same dial, it proportions would have looked more like a Daytona. They also have larger dials on the Milgauss so they could easily make one for the Day Date II.

But it is a Day-Date gents, which will eventually see that dial studded by diamonds. I think Rolex wanted a little more space for that.

[ral]

That's 'cause most of us were waiting for such a jump. Of course, this is in anticipation that some day Rolex will decide to pump up the DJ from 36 to 41 mm......and that'll be the day to really celebrate. :cheers:

JJ

I am kind of hoping the Datejust makes a move to 38mm or 39mm, but I guess it will follow the proportions of the Day Date.

[SS Oyster]

Saw DD2 today at my AD in the everest rose gold, fluted bezel --- absolutely amazing. However, despite how great it looked, if I could afford a gold rolex, I'd purchase the GMT IIC with the green dial - the most amazing watch I've ever slipped over my wrist. Unfortunately, it didn't remain. Some day....

[Burley1]

I have a deep sea and it is tough to get used to the 18mm thickness for sure. kinda tough wearing it with a dress shirt.

I guess I need to wear the TT sub for that.:thumbsup:



Correct!! :thumbsup: The width of 43 mm is pretty acceptable to most. The thickness may not be everyone's cuppa!!

JJ

[tbinaz]

I thought I would add this to the gallery

[Chozn1]

Just got back from Vegas and put one on my wrist. I was very disappointed. The bezel is just odd looking and the watch made a leap from elegant to bulky in my book.

[tbinaz]

Obviously I disagree. I would never have owned one of the smaller ones, too "old man" for my taste. I never intended on buying this as I already have another Rolex, but when I saw it in the case it was a must have for me.

[Chozn1]

Yeah, my dad loved it when he put it on, and honestly, it looked good on him. If you like it, rock it for all it's worth brother!

[fleetwood1976]

I am interested in the day date II. What is the best way to see all of the dial options. I checked at my AD and asked if they had a catalog showing the variations because I was not having much luck on rolex.com. She replied they did not have one. I was wanting to know if they made it with a blue wave dial. The black just doesn't do it for me.

[ral]

Beautiful watch. Was wondering about the weight. How does it feel on your wrist?

[Moissanite]

Can anyone tell me exactly what books and papers come with the Rolex Day Date II? Just purchased one from AD, but don't think I received the correct books. Please email me at newestgem@aol.com

[RoatanMan]

What are the dial options on the White Gold Day Date II...? I want to get one but I would like to view all of the available dials first...

[jtvision]

Crown is tiny.

[rowlex]

The coolest dial i have ever seen was on a day date 2 a dark blue wave dial man it was sweet,

[bmackinlay]

When, I had my 36mm DD, I never received a compliment on it ,now that I have the new DD II with the Ivory Concentric Dial with Arabic Numerals, people make comments like wow what a beautiful watch,or is that new? Yesterday I went to see my doctor and he said,"man, I have to get one of those"!!It is very comfortable to wear,at least IMO.I had a choice of the White Dial with Romans,but when I saw the two watches together, I chose the Ivory dial,I guess you could say "It smiled at me"! Bill

[RoatanMan]

When, I had my 36mm DD, I never received a compliment on it ,now that I have the new DD II with the Ivory Concentric Dial with Arabic Numerals, people make comments like wow what a beautiful watch,or is that new? Yesterday I went to see my doctor and he said,"man, I have to get one of those"!!It is very comfortable to wear,at least IMO.I had a choice of the White Dial with Romans,but when I saw the two watches together, I chose the Ivory dial,I guess you could say "It smiled at me"! Bill

Nice I have the WG DDII with Ivory Roman dial on order...

[casper370z]

what kind of discount can we see from AD?

[cousie]

Bought an everose DDII one week ago, just one word for it: fantastic!

[propedderkustom]

Bought an everose DDII one week ago, just one word for it: fantastic!

PICS!!! :clap::clap:

[Daniel Lee]

Maybe I seem to be a heretic, but the previous gen DD of about 1998 is superior to the new heavier 36mm model, as well as the fatso 41mm one.

The 1998 DD model 18238 costs $10,000 less than the heavier and thus less comfortable to wear current 118238, and it looks better. And how much less does it cost and weigh compared to the ugly 41mm?

Rolex, why not constantly improve the superior 18238, instead of getting rid of it and creating gaudy and overweight new models?

The Rolex board of directors and management team remind me of their counterparts at General Motors from 1970 on. GM lost focus on building the best product for their customers. Other companies filled the vacuum, and eventually GM went into bankruptcy.

GM turned the SS Malibu 396, L88 Corvette 427, and V16 Cadillac, into the Aztec, Saturn, and Escalade. The Rolex management and board is following the same path, and if allowed to continue will drive another great company to ruin in even less time.

[sea-dweller]

Excellent review !!!

[425ranger]

41mm in person is too big for a dress R.

IMHO