While the new Day-Date 40 models are true to their heritage, they also boast subtle differences: refined lugs and middle case, and a redesigned ‘President’ bracelet. (Originally created in 1956, the ‘President’ bracelet made the Day-Date an instantly recognizable style, and it was spotted on countless presidents and world leaders, thus earning it the ‘Presidents’ watch’ moniker.)

The heart of the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 also got an update. This chronometer is equipped with the new caliber 3255, which was developed and manufactured in-house by Rolex, and certified not only by Rolex, but also by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute).

     Boasting a 70-hour power reserve, this self-winding movement features the manufacture’s new Chronergy escapement (patented by Rolex) in nickel-phosphorus, a material that is not sensitive to magnetic interference. It also features a patented blue Parachrom hairspring that is 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring, protecting the watch from shocks.

Functions include hours, minutes and seconds, as well as the model’s eponymous day and date indications. As always, the Day-Date is also waterproof.