From SwissWatchExpo…
Spotlight On: The Rolex President Day-Date.
Rolex’s flagship watch, and the most iconic men to wear it.
Before it became known as the “President’s Watch” the Rolex Day-Date already caused
a sensation when it was launched in 1956.
It symbolized the pinnacle of Rolex’s watchmaking prowess.
Made only in gold or platinum, it became the first waterproof and self-winding chronometer
to indicate the day of the week, in 26 different languages.
This, on top of other elements that make it a Rolex.
No wonder it became the choice of presidents, leaders, and luminaries the world over.
The Day-Date is still a popular symbol of success today; and its fans now include celebrities
and even the younger set.
If you’re in the market for a Day-Date, you’ll be in good company.
Here are the most iconic men to ever wear the Rolex President Day-Date.
Many U.S. Presidents have worn the Rolex Day-Date, but Lyndon B. Johnson is the one most associated
with the President’s watch.
Presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and even current President Trump wore Rolex Day-Date watches.
However, it was Lyndon B. Johnson who wore it most prominently while in office.
He wore his yellow gold Day-Date almost daily, and even gifted similar models to his colleagues,
that Rolex would begin calling the Day-Date’s bracelet, the “President’s” bracelet.
With Johnson still in office, Rolex released its famous ad with the slogan “The presidents’
watch” implying that more than one president has worn it – and thus establishing its
connection to the White House and the Oval Office.
His Royal Airness” Michael Jordan is arguably the greatest basketball player in history,
winning six championships with the Chicago Bulls, and helping popularize NBA worldwide
in the 1980s.
Michael has been wearing Rolex since the beginning of his career.
In the early 90s, he used to wear “Rolex MasterPiece” watches, which are basically
Rolex Day-Dates with a special bracelet.
The retired athlete currently owns the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA, remaining as close as
ever to the sport.
He wears a platinum Rolex Day-Date model whose understated elegance suit his simple personal
style.
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Legandary golfer Jack Nicklaus is still the most accomplished golfer of all time, winning
18 major championships - three more than second-placed Tiger Woods.
Today, the retired golf great heads one of the largest golf course design companies.
Jack always had a yellow gold Rolex Day-Date on his wrist during press apperances, and
sometimes, even on the golf course!
He has two yellow gold models – a black dial with Roman numerals, and a champagne
dial with baton markers.
The latter was worn every day by Nicklaus and was eventually auctioned off by Phillips
in December 2019.
It sold for 1.2 million dollars.
And finally, we have spiritual leader of the Tibetan people – the Dalai Lama.
While watches, particularly the Rolex Day-Date, are thought of as status symbols, the Dalai
Lama collects them simply for his love of mechanical timepieces.
Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, has two yellow gold Rolex Day-Date watches — one
with a blue baton dial and another with a lapis lazuli dial.
He often goes out of his way to make sure they’re not too ostentatious, wearing them
with inexpensive straps instead of the President bracelet – whose three semi circular links
are unmistakable, even from afar.
Classically designed, and built with the finest materials, it’s no surprise that the Rolex
Day-Date has been the choice watch of icons.
Which watch was your favorite?
Tell us in the comments section.
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