Keep a date with Day Date 40
What keeps them ticking: Yves Meylan makes a point. Pix by Indika Handuwala
The Rolex Group’s most prestigious model, all of 60 years old, the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40, is on display in Sri Lanka at Chatham Luxury, Galle Face Court until September 28. The exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The granddaddy of Rolex watches, it is popularly known as the “President’s watch” , as it is sported by heads of states, dignitaries and royalty.
“This brand came into notice, when American President, John F. Kennedy started to wear it. It was not a complimentary piece, instead he had revealed that someone important gifted it to him,” said Yves Meylan, Area Sales Manager of Rolex watches.
The 18kt yellow gold watch was rumoured to have been a gift from actress Marilyn Monroe with whom Kennedy was romantically linked.Other than Kennedy, the Day-Date watch was worn by another American President Lyndon B. Johnson.
For visitors to the exhibition, there are three models to look for – each made of platinum, gold and rose gold. What makes the Day-Date watch unique is its price range as it spells absolute luxury and distinguishes its wearer as one of the elite. The Day-Date watches available here range from Rs. 4.8 million to Rs 9 million.
The new generation of Day-Date was unveiled in 2015. According to the Rolex company, the latest Day-Date features a modernised design with a 40mm case and a new-generation mechanical movement, which sets a new standard for chronometeric performance.
Other than the Day-Date watches, the exhibition at Chatham Luxury offers interested viewers a chance to discover the history and technology behind the prestigious Rolex models. There are interactive and 3D videos, and archive photographs for watch lovers to browse through.
An advertisement long ago, claimed that it takes a year to make a single Rolex watch. The videos at the Chatham Luxury prove the claim correct as they show the time frame needed from shaping the parts of the case, to testing a completed watch for accuracy.
Rolex have no plans to venture into the smart-watches sector. “If you look at Rolex watches over time, they are more about evolution rather than revolution,” Mr. Meylan added.