Reviews
Baselworld 2019: Rolex Day-Date 36
Reviews
Baselworld 2019: Rolex Day-Date 36
The Day-Date is 63 years old this year and has held its position in the upper echelons of the Rolex catalogue since its launch in 1956. Initially introduced in a 36mm case, to many this is the ‘correct’ size for the watch and it’s hard to argue with such an assertation. The balance and timeless proportions of the watch in its original size are nigh on perfect. It’s a watch that likes to dress up, put on an opulent display and show off! In my opinion, Rolex chose some of its finest dial versions that have historically graced the Day-Date for re-launch this year.
First up are what Rolex refer to as Ombré dials. Collectors and auction houses refer to these dials as vignette or dégradé dials and they are highly coveted, especially when set with diamond hour markers. They made a welcome return this year and each gold hue got its own unique version in a sunburst finish with flawless fade from deep color at the perimeter of the dial to a light fade at the center. The yellow gold watch has a green dial, the white gold one in blue and Everose corresponding dial is brown. Each dial features eight brilliant cut diamonds and two baguette cut diamonds at nine and six o’clock. The fluted bezel can also be substituted for a gem-set bezel, featuring 52 brilliant-cut diamonds. If that isn’t enough, then one can go one step further and have the President bracelet’s center links set with brilliant-cut diamonds. Yet, even this isn’t the full-ice treatment.