Rolex introduced the new generation of the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 which features a 40mm case with a new mechanical movement Caliber 3255 in BaselWorld 2015. This updates the Day-Date collection which was first launched in 1956. A special exhibition is now launched to celebrate its history and to showcase the collection.
Held in two instalments this January and February, visitors are invited to discover the history of the Day-Date and the new collection models, at the following locations:
The Hour Glass, ION Orchard
11 January to 24 January 2016
Emperor Watch & Jewellery, Wisma Atria
26 January to 10 February 2016
There will be informational displays showing the history of the Day-Date and 3D videos, stories, archive photographs and an exploded view of a movement, several of the new collection’s models are on display.
The Oyster Perpetual Day-Date was the first waterproof and automatic chronometer wristwatch with an instantaneous day and date on the dial.
The watch is known as “presidents’ watch”. In 1956, Rolex reportedly gave one to the President of the United States Dwight Eisenhower. Some sources say that Eisenhower was actually given a Datejust (not Day-Date) with the presidential style bracelet. Several other US presidents are also known to wear Day-Date, for example Roosevelt, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford and Reagan.
The new caliber 3255 is a new movement created in-house by Rolex.
It is COSC certified, and Rolex claims that its precision is twice as great as the COSC requirements. Power reserve is 50% more than the caliber 3155 it replaces, and is now 70 hours. More than 90% of the components are new, and a total of 14 patents have been filed for technological solutions relating to component design, new manufacturing and production technology.
The latest series is now available in platinum, 18k Everose gold, 18k yellow gold and 18k white gold.