Appeal of the Day date ?

[Innocenti]

This isn’t meant to upset anyone , I’m just trying to understand or learn historic appeal.

So what is the appeal of the daydate models over say a visually similar datejust?

I can see how a date function can be helpful, but does anyone find the day function helpful at all, I can see if you have a degree of dementia it could be of use.

Is it just the fact it’s a more prestigious model , indicating more wealth , success?

Because it’s a precious metal? Historic or heritage ? Just prefer how it looks?

[afaber12]

It’s one of the most iconic watches ever produced, and has absolutely become synonymous with success. There’s a lot of watches far more expensive, and better made, but few more widely recognized outside of the watch world.

The fact that they have only ever, and will likely only ever, be made of precious metals signifies the investment one has made to acquire one. That presidential bracelet too man... just beautiful in every way.

My two cents - take it from where it comes. I’m relatively new to the game, but I’ve sort of gone “all in” :)


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[Innocenti]

Cool - so symbol of wealth and success?

[TC94]

Originally Posted by Innocenti

Cool - so symbol of wealth and success?

People like what they like. There really isn’t need for a deeper explanation or understanding when it comes to tastes and preferences in my opinion.

[DLRIDES]

Symbolism and personal taste combined

[Innocenti]

Originally Posted by TC94

People like what they like. There really isn’t need for a deeper explanation or understanding when it comes to tastes and preferences in my opinion.

Agreed - I’m just trying to understand the appeal

[Headshrinker]

For me, it’s all about the looks and feel of the watch. The bracelet is second to none (just my opinion) in terms of comfort and style. Secondly, I have gained a love for yellow gold. With its weight and beauty. As far as the history of the watch; it has no real significance in my love for the watch. My first experience was seeing it on my fathers friends wrist; it was love at first sight!

[Brew]

I test drove the 36 in gold with diamond markers. Made my knees knock. I still sweat a little when I think about that piece.

[Innocenti]

Originally Posted by Headshrinker

For me, it’s all about the looks and feel of the watch. The bracelet is second to none (just my opinion) in terms of comfort and style. Secondly, I have gained a love for yellow gold. With its weight and beauty. As far as the history of the watch; it has no real significance in my love for the watch. My first experience was seeing it on my fathers friends wrist; it was love at first sight!

If the datejust was available in yellow gold with a similar bracelet at a lower price would you have picked that or would the day-date still have won you over

[watchwatcher]

What is the appeal of paying thousands of dollars for something that just tells the time?

In other words, if you don't get it...we can't explain it to you.

[peterpl]

There are a lot of articles on the internet of why the Day Date is regarded as it is. But yes it is a symbol of success, power and influence. Mostly people of responsibility or high regard were historically the ones to wear one.

They don't call it the "Presidential" Rolex for no reason. :)

[rolexpatek363]

I have the 36mm in platinum, blue arabic wave dial.. It weighs half a pound. There's nothing really like it.

[lord91]

Originally Posted by Innocenti

This isn’t meant to upset anyone , I’m just trying to understand or learn historic appeal.

So what is the appeal of the daydate models over say a visually similar datejust?

I can see how a date function can be helpful, but does anyone find the day function helpful at all, I can see if you have a degree of dementia it could be of use.

Is it just the fact it’s a more prestigious model , indicating more wealth , success?

Because it’s a precious metal? Historic or heritage ? Just prefer how it looks?

Originally Posted by TC94

People like what they like. There really isn’t need for a deeper explanation or understanding when it comes to tastes and preferences in my opinion.

+1, though there are lots of people buying it solely for its marketing image.

[T01]

Presidential band is so iconic, as well as the day of the week complication. Plus they only come in PM. Just a very special, iconic watch. Likely the best known Rolex after the Sub.

[Sebastian5]

Originally Posted by Innocenti

If the datejust was available in yellow gold with a similar bracelet at a lower price would you have picked that or would the day-date still have won you over

They were produced alongside in the past, and price difference wasn't that much.

For example in 2004 (Dutch pricelist) a YG 18k Datejust with Jubilee (116238) was €15500 while a YG 18k Day-Date with President (118238) was €17355, less then 2k.

I can't speak for others but for that price difference I would definitely choose the Day-Date with a day wheel in my native language.

[FinWatch]

Originally Posted by Innocenti

This isn’t meant to upset anyone , I’m just trying to understand or learn historic appeal.

So what is the appeal of the daydate models over say a visually similar datejust?

I can see how a date function can be helpful, but does anyone find the day function helpful at all, I can see if you have a degree of dementia it could be of use.

Is it just the fact it’s a more prestigious model , indicating more wealth , success?

Because it’s a precious metal? Historic or heritage ? Just prefer how it looks?

For me it’s all about history;
DD is the very last model that the founder of Rolex, Hans Wildorf himself, designed.
Men of power (presidents for example) has been wearing DD’s.
This video is a great lesson for understanding DD:
https://youtu.be/l7MMYmWIlEY




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[Innocenti]

Originally Posted by rolexpatek363

I have the 36mm in platinum, blue arabic wave dial.. It weighs half a pound. There's nothing really like it.

Sounds like a super cool piece

[rolexpatek363]

Yes it's nice. My OP 39 is more accurate, though.

[GreatHarry]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

What is the appeal of paying thousands of dollars for something that just tells the time?

In other words, if you don't get it...we can't explain it to you.

Exactly THAT !!

[droptopman]

Part of the early mystique was being waterproof. The Oyster case is waterproof and at the time, similar watches in the DD category were not. Not really a dress watch, not really a sport watch, something in between in PM that is waterproof. Pretty easy to market that watch back in the day. The bracelet has always been the pinnacle of link bracelets. Multiple dial and PM metals to choose from. It just appeals to a lot of people.

[Innocenti]

Originally Posted by droptopman

Part of the early mystique was being waterproof. The Oyster case is waterproof and at the time, similar watches in the DD category were not. Not really a dress watch, not really a sport watch, something in between in PM that is waterproof. Pretty easy to market that watch back in the day. The bracelet has always been the pinnacle of link bracelets. Multiple dial and PM metals to choose from. It just appeals to a lot of people.

Got it.
It’s almost as if the differentiating day feature isn’t the main draw, more the precious metal and its perceived as the best (or better ) Rolex.

Hey different tastes

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

What is the appeal of paying thousands of dollars for something that just tells the time?

In other words, if you don't get it...we can't explain it to you.

Exactly.

Is it crazy to spend $25k on a watch that provides a day and date function? YES!!! but not really any crazier than spending $8k on a datejust.

btw OP, I work out in the field for a couple days at a time, and then sometimes I'm working from home for several days even weeks at a time. When I'm buried in my run of working at home, I often lose track of the day lol. I'm in my 30s, no signs of dementia yet.

Otherwise, it's an incredible watch and incredibly beautiful watch, with tons of history and acclaim. It's wonderful combination of a sports and dressy watch with tool DNA. You can swim with it, take it anywhere and wear it anywhere in the world.

Fine, I'll get a platinum DD40.

[huncho]

the president bracelet is the biggest appeal to it imo

[Innocenti]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

Exactly.

Is it crazy to spend $25k on a watch that provides a day and date function? YES!!! but not really any crazier than spending $8k on a datejust.

btw OP, I work out in the field for a couple days at a time, and then sometimes I'm working from home for several days even weeks at a time. When I'm buried in my run of working at home, I often lose track of the day lol. I'm in my 30s, no signs of dementia yet.

Otherwise, it's an incredible watch and incredibly beautiful watch, with tons of history and acclaim. It's wonderful combination of a sports and dressy watch with tool DNA. You can swim with it, take it anywhere and wear it anywhere in the world.

Fine, I'll get a platinum DD40.

Hey no one mentioned “senile dementia” lol

I think they look great - again just not sure the date function rings my bell.
Maybe having the date in italian would add a degree of flare

[Innocenti]

Originally Posted by huncho

the president bracelet is the biggest appeal to it imo

Isn’t it very similar to the hidden clasp jubilee on the datejust ?

[Lambo Jota]

Originally Posted by Innocenti

Isn’t it very similar to the hidden clasp jubilee on the datejust ?

no

[MikeyV]

For me, the DateJust (and the Day Date) are THE quintessential Rolex.

I have zero interest in the sport models. (This is a good thing for me and all of you!)

The look, the jubilee bracelet, the proportions, the fluted bezel, are what I think of when I think Rolex.

The date is super handy for me. I usually know what day of the week it is (MTWTF) but often, at work, or dating something, of if you forgot about an appointment, it's super handy. Plus the cyclops---so very classic Rolex.

Got me a DJ41 TT Champagne/Jubilee, and the next one will be a DayDate-40.

Thank God I don't have a compulsion to have every bezel option they offer on the GMTs!

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Innocenti

Hey no one mentioned “senile dementia” lol

I know you didn't say "senile", but dementia usually goes hand in hand with older age.

Originally Posted by Innocenti

I can see if you have a degree of dementia it could be of use.

[Innocenti]

Originally Posted by Lambo Jota

no

Shows to go you what I know

[Vipes]

The look is iconic. The main appeal for me is the presidential bracelet. Elegant and well made but one of the most comfortable bracelets.