Why the Rolex Day-Date is called ‘the president’s watch’ – and where you can buy one at auction in Hong Kong
The Rolex Day-Date has enjoyed a much sought-after status since its launch in 1956. Made only in gold or platinum, it was the first wristwatch to display both date and day of the week, spelt out in full in windows on the dial. A hallmark of the watch is the semicircular, three-piece link “president” bracelet that was created for it. It received its name in 1965, when US President Lyndon B Johnson wore a yellow gold Day-Date. Thereafter it was dubbed “the president’s watch”.
Hong Kong fans of the model have a treat on October 27, when a sale in the city by auctioneer Antiquorum will include an impressive range of Day-Dates among its 485 lots. Perhaps the most beautiful is a yellow gold model with diamond bezel and diamond lugs on its bracelet. It also features a pave diamond set centre and distinctive coral orange enamel chapter ring. Equally eye-catching is another yellow gold Day-Date, but with 10 emerald hours and a diamond and mother of pearl dial to complement its diamond bezel.
Patek Philippe make up nearly 80 per cent of the 50 most expensive watches ever sold, so it’s no surprise the Swiss firm is dominating the top end of this sale. The last lot will be a platinum and diamond piece with a black lacquered dial and moon phases as one of its nine horological complications. It was sold to its original owner in 2009 and Antiquorum predict it could fetch up to HK$2 million (US$255 million) this time. Particularly elegant is the marque’s “Michael S Ovitz watch”, with its sunburst, ardoise-grey dial and tonneau-shaped yellow-gold case, set off against a handsome brown leather strap. The one for sale this time may go for as much as HK$1.2 million (US$153,000).
Antiquorum became the first to auction fine watches over the internet in the 1990s. It has staged some outstanding sales since it was established in 1974. This event promises to be no exception.
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An impressive range of Rolex Day-Dates – and Patek Philippe watches – are among the 485 lots at Antiquorum’s Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces auction, in Hong Kong on October 27