In this video, we look at some popular models from the Yellow Gold President watch collection. You can shop Rolex Yellow Gold President watches here; www.bobswatches.com/rolex/pre...
Just three years after the launch of the famous Submariner diving watch, Rolex became a pioneer once again by creating a dress watch that embodied the term “luxury” perfectly. The Day-Date watch was nicknamed the ‘President’ and over the years has become associated with the likes of Lyndon Johnson, Donald Trump, and John F. Kennedy. Being the choice of watch for American Presidents, influential individuals, and famous icons of the past, it has anchored itself firmly amongst some of the most sought-after Rolex watches of all time. You can shop all pre-owned Rolex watches here for more information on the brand’s entire range; www.bobswatches.com/rolex/
The Yellow Gold President watch is a distinct collectible for three reasons in particular. Not only was the Presidential watch the first in the Rolex catalog to feature the day written out in full on the dial, but it has only ever been manufactured in precious metals. Additionally, the watch is equipped with its very own metal band named the President Bracelet.
Rolex creates all its finest 18k gold in-house. The Presidential watch has been produced in white gold, Everose, platinum, and the brand’s Tridor finish, which combines all three golds together. The unique design of the Rolex President watch can always be noticed from a distance since it features the day of the week spelled out in full in an arc-shape at the top of the dial between 10 and 1 o’clock. To add to this, you can also reference the date window at 3 o’clock, housed underneath a cyclops lens for a magnified effect. More Rolex President watches can be found here: www.bobswatches.com/rolex-pre...
The President Bracelet equips the Day-Date watch with a supremely crafted three-link design blending elements from the Jubilee and Oyster bracelet together. Rather than the flat links of the Oyster bracelet, semi-circular links echo the distinguishable profile of the Jubilee, creating a dressy and opulent finish when paired with formal or professional attire. With exception to the Lady Datejust, the President bracelet has only been fitted to models belonging to the brand’s Day-Date collection. The Rolex Crownclasp, which secures the metal band to the wrist, is a concealed clasp, adorned with the iconic crown motif as the only clue to its hidden connection point. The clasp gives the watch an entirely seamless effect on the wrist.
The Rolex President was developed in 1956. Rolex aficionados have long collected the model ref: 1803, which launched in the early ’60s and continued in production through to 1978. This vintage Rolex watch remains one of the most affordable models and is characterized by its retro aesthetic with an acrylic crystal lens and a captivating Pie-Pan dial.
During the 1970s the model was replaced by the ref: 18038, which saw the Pie-Pan dial replaced by a flat dial, exuding a more contemporary aesthetic. Its sapphire crystal glass lens offered more resistance to damage caused by factors like denting, scratching, light, moisture, and heat. The Calibre 3055 performed at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour as opposed to the brand’s Caliber 1555 and 1556 movements, oscillating at a rate of 18,000 and 19,600 beats per hour respectively.
By the time the ref: 18238 came along, collectors were enjoying the Rolex President watch as a precise and incredibly premium timepiece. To enhance the overall ‘President’ experience, the wearer was now able to set both the day and date display via the crown without causing any disruption to the moving hands on the display thanks to the innovative Calibre 3155.
The 6-digit generation of yellow gold President watches continued to use the Calibre 3155 until the release of the powerful Caliber 3255 engine was developed, promising an impressive 70-hour power reserve. The ref: 118238 also featured a new case and bracelet design with thicker lugs and solid bracelet links that created a more substantial feel upon the wrist. Lastly, the ref: 228238 saw the Rolex President return to a more universally appealing size of 40mm after years of creating the watch in a 36mm diameter.
Despite these slight changes in size over the years and some subtle redesigns in terms of thickening out the watch’s case, lugs and bracelet - the Rolex Yellow Gold President watch still remains the most iconic of gold Rolex watches.