Next Gen Appeal

The ultimate prestige watch gets a facelift.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

The Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 is available from Cortina Watch Rolex boutique at #02-38 Marina Square. 

Since it was introduced in 1956, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date has adorned the wrists of world leaders, celebrities and visionaries, so much so that it came to be known as the “Presidents’ Watch”. It is also known as the first wristwatch to display the date and day of the week spelt out in full (choose from 26 languages) in an arc-shaped window at 12 o’clock.

So how does one improve on an icon? Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that still drives the company forward today, which is why we are seeing this modern update. The latest edition of this iconic timepiece is equipped with calibre 3255 – a new-generation self-winding mechanical movement that incorporates the brand’s patented Chronergy escapement for better precision and energy efficiency. Developed by the Swiss watchmaker, the movement is insensitive to magnetic interference and has a 70-hour power reserve.

A beautiful timepiece inside and out, the new Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 retains the same classic look updated with eye-catching dials. Especially striking is this yellow gold version with a green concentric gradient design (a first for the brand), diamond hour markers and baguette-cut diamonds at 6 and 9 o’clock. It also comes in Everose gold with a brown ombre dial, while two other versions in white gold and yellow gold have pink opal or turquoise dials framed by a bezel set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds. – DK