Rolex Day Date “President”
This new 6511 the “Day Date” had a window at 12 spelling out the day at 12 and the date was shown at 3. Due to the complexity of the watch, with its automatic movement, additional day and date discs and a screw down back it was a very large and thick watch which gave it presence on the wrist. Introduced as a niche model it soon gained the popularity it deserves and after the introduction of the concealed clasp ( concealed clasp was offer as $75 option in 1969) it was known as the “President”.
The Day Date became Rolex’s flagship. The first model (6511) lasted just over a year before it was replaced by the externally identical 6611. This model featured the new caliber 1055 movement with its free sprung Micro-Stella balance and was the first to be labeled ” Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” on the dial. This new accuracy standard guaranteed the watch to remain within + 3.0 seconds per day. In 1959 caliber 1055 was replaced with caliber 1555 in model 1803 (18,000bph) and later in year 1965 – model 1803 received caliber 1556 (19,800bph).
The Day Date earned the nickname the “President” when Rolex reportedly gave one to the then President of the United States Dwight Eisenhower. Some sources say that President Eisenhower was actually given a Datejust (not Day-Date) with the presidential style bracelet. But it is a fact that several other US presidents are known to wear Day-Date (Roosevelt, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Reagan).
Rolex advertising showing the “President” on the “Red Phone” hotline. Rolex was very successful in marketing this new design to Presidents and many world leaders. A true status symbol of power and ellegance.
6 Comments
Shane Cook
Great post Mark!
Bert Perdue
Still enjoying these posts !
Thank you Sir !
Mark Morgan
Great story Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Larry Brooks
I am thoroughly enjoying these articles on high-end watches. Thank you, Mark.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.
Bob
Another great post. Do you know what they sold for when they were originally went on the market?
Ed
Hello Bob,
I first became aware of the president in about 1962 at a dealer in downtown Dallas. I recall they were named Lentz. Price then was $1000. A very tidy sum at the time. I later purchased one in about 1968 for $1100. Both of these numbers were list at the time. Mine has an exposed rather than hidden clasp. It remains in my possession with its original documentation and packaging material in near new condition. It spends it time in an Orbita watch winder. Current day its rate variation is on the order of +/- one second/day. Actual rate about 3 seconds/day gaining.