Why is the Day-Date the flagship watch from Rolex?

[nightmyth]

It looks like a day function is not difficult to produce or rare at all, and I've seen plenty of much cheaper watches come with this function. Why does Rolex make it their flagship watch and precious-metal only? Wouldn't it make sense for something like the Sky-Dweller as that comes with the most complicated movement that Rolex makes.

[GGGMT]

Amazing piece. History. Lore. President Kennedy. Marilyn Monroe. Beauty. And such things.


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[AD337]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

Amazing piece. History. Lore. President Kennedy. Marilyn Monroe. Beauty. And such things.


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Exactly


Also might I add, OP if you ever get the chance to wear or try on a solid gold day date in a color spec you like, then you’ll immediately see/feel what it’s all about. A special watch no doubt about it, and I can’t wait to own one someday... I’m torn between yellow gold with champagne dial, or everose with the green dial...

[sgwatchguy]

Probably because it projects classic luxury and their association of that watch with success and achievement more than any other model. It’s also an iconic aspirational symbol that Rolex has invested hundreds of millions over decades to build that brand and the qualities it embodies by association or projection.

The SkyD is too recent a watch, relative to their history, to have that association. It’s also a complication not understood by 99% of the public. So while it’s their most complicated watch, it wouldn’t be relatable to the average (rich) joe that buys a Rolex.

Just my $0.02 worth




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[CFR]

I'm pretty sure the term "flagship" is entirely in the eye of the beholder. I don't think Rolex refers to any of its lines, including the Day-Date, as its "flagship."

I think many longtime collectors would say that a brand's "flagship model" is not about complexity. Rather, it's about which model best represents the brand's identity. In the case of modern-day Rolex watches, many believe that brand identity is all about the perception of exclusivity, success, and instant recognition. Those folks might pick the DD as the flagship model because everyone who sees that yellow gold fluted bezel from across the room knows exactly what it is: the same watch that they've seen on the wrists of so many public figures for the past several generations. In contrast, nobody knows what a Sky-Dweller is when they see it from across the room. There's no romance or history there, relatively speaking. And of course, those who see Rolex as a tool watch or dive watch might pick the Sub as their flagship model.

[csaltphoto]

It's actually a fair question. But something about them when you try one on in person. Not sure what it is but they are nice.

[mmmmp]

It's the only model with a bracelet designed and only available for that particular reference. The multi-language 'day' window makes it utterly unique as well.
Technical features notwithstanding, the "in person" presence is something to behold. (Subjective? Sure. But many are beguiled when trying it on in person)

Just a few thoughts.

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[ras47]

The people chose it. Influential and successful people. The kind of people others want to be or to emulate. And it's stood the test of time. Each new generation of influencers and taste-makers that has embraced the DD has strengthened it's place.

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

Amazing piece. History. Lore. President Kennedy. Marilyn Monroe. Beauty. And such things.


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This AND marketing

[Ihatecheese]

Its not a gadget so the most complicated item doesn't necessarily equate to flagship status. There are a few more nuances as opinionated here.

[anjizkit]

u need to try it on to understand. It has an aura of its own.

[Pongster]

Originally Posted by CFR

I'm pretty sure the term "flagship" is entirely in the eye of the beholder. I don't think Rolex refers to any of its lines, including the Day-Date, as its "flagship."

I think many longtime collectors would say that a brand's "flagship model" is not about complexity. Rather, it's about which model best represents the brand's identity. In the case of modern-day Rolex watches, many believe that brand identity is all about the perception of exclusivity, success, and instant recognition. Those folks might pick the DD as the flagship model because everyone who sees that yellow gold fluted bezel from across the room knows exactly what it is: the same watch that they've seen on the wrists of so many public figures for the past several generations. In contrast, nobody knows what a Sky-Dweller is when they see it from across the room. There's no romance or history there, relatively speaking. And of course, those who see Rolex as a tool watch or dive watch might pick the Sub as their flagship model.

In rolex’s website itself, the daydate is first. I suppose that’s an indication of where rolex thinks the DD is in its lineup.

Among the professional pieces, the daytona is first.

[Gerardus]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

Amazing piece. History. Lore. President Kennedy. Marilyn Monroe. Beauty. And such things.


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-> THIS <-

[adawil2002]

Lore I heard the Day-Date was called The President because it was the Rolex of choice of Presiden LBJ.

[Onikage]

Because Presidents was the first thought. It instantly double snaps day+date at midnight! It ain't a Seiko that's for sure.

[Setarip]

D. All of the above.

And when you put one on it never fails to bring a smile to your face ;-)

[peterpl]

Because its the BOSS watch.

Only Bosses wear it (i.e) Presidents. LOL

In all seriousness its a watch that is a flagship because for as long as I remember it was a watch that undoubtedly symbolized success for a person. Its a dream for many to own a solid gold Rolex and that is another reason why the DayDate is the only range to ONLY be available in precious metal and that wont change.

The symbolism of it being the king of kings has always been there for decades. You will see many powerful and successful people wearing a DayDate President even today once they get to a certain successful point in life.

[heath.1967]

because it's top of the line rolex..
is it Daydate or SkyD ?

[watchwatcher]

The fact that you phrased your question as you did, absent of any official designation by Rolex as thus, is very telling.

Oh, mine says hi, by the way.

[Maiden]

It has a magic all its own.....

[SpicyMikey]

When did Rolex proclaimed the daydate as their "flagship"? More importantly who thinks that watch Is considered the quintessential rolex? I would think if someone took a poll it would be one of the tool watches, probably the sub mariner or GMT. But regardless of which one came in 1st it would seem to me that each watch has his place in the lineup, and there is really no one watch standing at the top of the lineup

Mike

[nachopc]

Pure Magic !


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[HogwldFLTR]

The Daytona has a much greater attraction of me. I've owned a couple of Day Dates and they don't stick. They're gone now. I understand the history but many companies now have Day Dates. I suspect that it's the only PM only watch is why (and by design).

[nachopc]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

The Daytona has a much greater attraction of me. I've owned a couple of Day Dates and they don't stick. They're gone now. I understand the history but many companies now have Day Dates. I suspect that it's the only PM only watch is why (and by design).

Of course and the Submariner is also different from the Daytona.

The Day Date apart from history is the pleasure to wear it, the weight, the look, the shine....so many emotions together.

Obviously other brands makes watches with day and date but not a Rolex and that’s make a difference. If this watch did not stick to you is simply cause Is not for you or you don’t understand it in my humble opinion.


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[Harry-57]

A "flagship" Sky Dweller exists and very nice it is too. So far as the flagship of the whole range is concerned, I think the winner is self selecting, based on the opinions, desires and buying patterns of the ownership pool. The Day Date has a long history. It wins by default. But one day, who knows?

[Calatrava r]

It was marketed that way by Rolex from its release as the flagship and only offered in PM to this day.

[JoeG74536]

I'm eyeing a 18238 as my next purchase. What is it about the president bracelet that everyone including myself admires so much? I have been a fan of the DD for as long as I have been into Rolex watches. Something about the bracelet just makes it extra special but can't put my finger on exactly what that is.....

[barneb10]

There are lot of reasons, several possibilities, and even more opinions.

But what is certain, is that Rolex chose a crown as their logo, green as their color, and the DD as their model.

[Chope Man]

Originally Posted by nightmyth

... and precious-metal only? ...

This has not always been the case.

Few were made in stainless steel. Around 10?

OK, they are so rare now that the price is higher than the one in PM...

[GoingPlaces]

Wear one and see. There is nothing like a DD. Most recognized luxury watch on the world.