From SwissWatchExpo…
Spotlight on: the Rolex Day-Date 40. The contemporary Day-Date.
First unveiled in 1956, the Rolex President Day-Date has enjoyed a much sought-after status.
Exclusively made in gold and platinum, it was the first watch to indicate both the date,
and the day of the week on the dial. Its groundbreaking technology,
paired with elegant and classic styling, has made it a perennial favorite.
In response to changing tastes, the traditional Day-Date 36 now has a bigger sibling in the Rolex
Day-Date 40, giving a contemporary take on the watch par excellence.
Here are three things to know about the Rolex Day-Date 40.
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Introduced in 2015, the Rolex Day-Date was a replacement for the Day-Date Two of 2008.
Rolex had initially launched the 41 millimeter Day-Date Two, to meet the demand for larger case
sizes, but its rather plump proportions was considered overplayed by Rolex fans.
With the Rolex Day-Date 40, the brand answers the call for a larger case size,
while keeping the classic proportions of the Day-Date that fans have come to love.
From the hefty Day-Date Two, it was given a more streamlined look,
with slimmer lugs and case bands, and a thinner bezel.
The dials are also nothing short of sensational. One can choose from
sunray dials, or laser etched patterns in diagonal, crisscross, or quadrant motifs.
Even more minute details have been refined on the Day-Date 40.
The bezel has thinner and sharper notches, while the serif Roman numerals
have been replaced by faceted ones, or baton hour markers with Chromalight lume.
The iconic President bracelet remained, this time with crucial updates:
ceramic inserts to hold the links together, preventing the wear-and-tear seen on older
bracelets; and a design integrated with the case, creating a seamless look.
Along with the design upgrades came a new caliber – one that set higher
standards of performance for watch movements.
The Caliber 3-2-5-5 is backed by 14 patents,
and was designed from the ground up to optimize performance.
Equipped with the new Chronergy escapement, it increased energy efficiency by 15%, is
resistant to daily values of magnetic shocks, and boasts a power reserve of approximately 70 hours.
This means that the watch will continue to run over a weekend without needing to be rewound,
and over time, will keep its accuracy while lengthening service intervals.
The Rolex Day-Date celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2016,
a year after the release of the Day-Date 40.
To mark the special occasion, the Day-Date 40 was given a regal
treatment – a new Rolex-green dial in two metal variations.
Rolex has been known to celebrate milestones with green dials,
but the 60th anniversary Day-Date, was a far cry from the daylight green dials we’ve seen.
The olive green dial is brighter and closer to a rich moss,
and the sunburst effect is truly captivating.
With the gilt print and faceted Roman numerals,
the result was a sleek and thoroughly modern execution.
The anniversary model was offered in two metals – 18 karat white gold and
Everose gold – with all the grace and pedigree of the regular Day-Date 40.
With a larger wrist presence and modern touches, the Rolex Day-Date 40 offers an elevated style
to the all-time classic. Explore our selection of Rolex Day-Date watches at SwissWatchExpo.com
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