Fact: Rolex is a watchmaker through and through. Its creations are highly sought after and well-known the world over. But what many people often forget is that the Genevan marque is also an expert at setting gems, whether it’s diamonds, sapphires, rubies or emeralds. Take the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 in 18 ct white gold, with a pink opal, diamond-set dial, diamond-set bezel and and a President bracelet, for instance.
The 18 ct white gold bezel is encrusted with a sprinkling of diamonds. What might look simple to the untrained eye is the perfect harmony of precision and craftsmanship. Upon arrival at the manufacture, all diamonds undergo rigorous verification procedures, which see the gemmologists examine and carefully select the stones, retaining only those that satisfy Rolex’s stringent quality criteria. The chosen gems are then delivered to the gem-setters, who place and fix each stone to best reveal its beauty and sparkle. Here, they meticulously carve the white gold to handshape the cavity in which each diamond is perfectly set. Another thing that sets the watchmaker apart is how it ensures the height of the gems with their orientation and position taking precedence in order for their natural beauty to shine through.
Besides working on the gem-set bezel, the gem-setters also lend their expertise to the hour markers on this Day-Date 36 variant. Its dial features hour markers in 18 ct gold set with 32 diamonds and the Roman numerals VI and IX in 18 ct gold set with 24 diamonds. With such a small surface area, it takes a high level of dexterity and experience for the gem-setter to choose the appropriate tool, to find the exact angle, and to apply the correct amount of force. These bejewelled hour markers are then painstakingly applied onto the dial. What makes this dial extra special is the use of pink opal with the mineral lending a soft and feminine touch, which makes the watch the perfect addition to a woman’s wardrobe.
Besides the attention-grabbing glitter and distinctive dial, the watch, being a variant of the iconic Oyster Perpetual Day-Date, also has plenty more to offer. Introduced in 1956, the Day-Date was the first calendar wristwatch to indicate, in addition to the date, the day of the week spelt out in full in an arc-shaped window at 12 o’clock—a technical feat at the time. Likewise, this Day-Date 36 variant features the day display, which changes instantaneously at midnight every day, at 12 o’clock. Rolex also offers an option of customising the day display in 26 different languages.
This Day-Date 36 is fitted with the President bracelet, which is known for its semi-circular three-piece links. Created in 1956 for the launch of the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date, the President bracelet represents the ultimate in comfort and is always made of carefully selected precious metals. Not only is it refined and timeless, it is designed, manufactured and tested by Rolex to ensure the highest of standards. Beating inside the watch is the proprietary self-winding calibre 3255, which boasts 14 patents—a clear indication of the watchmaker’s outstanding horological prowess. More importantly, it offers the wearer a higher level of reliability vis-à-vis regular self-winding movements thanks to a modern architecture that gives better precision, power reserve, and resistance to shocks and magnetism.
MODEL CASE
Oyster, 36 mm, 18 ct white gold and diamonds
OYSTER ARCHITECTURE
Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown
MATERIAL
18 ct white gold
BEZEL
Diamond-set
WINDING CROWN
Screw-down, Twinlock double waterproofness system
CRYSTAL
Scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date
WATER-RESISTANCE
Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet
CALIBRE
3255, Manufacture Rolex
FUNCTIONS
Centre hour, minute and seconds hands; instantaneous date with rapid setting; stop-seconds for precise time setting
BRACELET
President, semi-circular three-piece links
BRACELET MATERIAL
18 ct white gold
CLASP
Concealed folding Crownclasp