The history of this Rolex Day-Date 36
Introduced in 1956, the Day-Date was the first wristwatch with a calendar to display, in addition to the date, the day of the week written in full in a window. Rolex has only ever offered it in 18-carat gold or platinum, and created the President bracelet for its launch, which has since become synonymous with the model. This Rolex Day-Date 36, reference 118206, combines 950 platinum with a smooth, domed bezel. Its glacier-blue dial, known to collectors as ‘Ice Blue’, is a signature feature that Rolex reserves exclusively for its platinum watches. It allows the material to be recognised at a glance by the discerning eye, with no diamonds or visible gold, making this platinum Day-Date a precious watch of great understated elegance.
Case, calibre and bracelet of this Day-Date 36
The 36 mm Oyster case in 950 platinum bears the PT hallmark between the lugs, with a screw-down case back and a screw-down crown stamped with the Rolex crown, ensuring water resistance to 100 metres. The smooth, domed bezel, polished to a mirror finish, surrounds a sapphire crystal featuring a magnifying lens over the date at 3 o’clock. The sunburst glacier-blue dial features applied Roman numerals, baton hands and the inscription ‘Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified’, attesting to its chronometer certification. The day is displayed in English in the arched window at 12 o’clock. The calibre 3155, a 31-jewel in-house automatic movement, offers a power reserve of 48 hours and drives both the day and date functions simultaneously. The platinum President bracelet, with rounded links in three rows, fastens with a concealed folding clasp bearing the Rolex crown and hallmarked 950 PT. Platinum, being denser than gold, gives the watch a substantial feel on the wrist.
Why this Rolex watch
Rolex no longer produces this configuration and now fits the Day-Date 36 with the calibre 3255. Finding a model with a smooth bezel, an Ice Blue dial with Roman numerals and a bracelet made entirely of platinum therefore requires a search on the second-hand market. The 3155 movement, produced since 1988, has powered several generations of the Day-Date and remains a well-known movement amongst watchmakers, which simplifies its maintenance over time. The Roman numerals lend the glacier-blue dial a classic look, which is more formal than the baton hour-markers found on other versions. This pre-owned opportunity therefore offers access to the platinum version of the Day-Date, with an inspection by our watchmakers, a 24-month warranty and the chance to try it on in-store before making a decision.
Contents and condition
This Day-Date is supplied in its green Rolex case, accompanied by its inner box, without documentation. It has been worn and shows some signs of wear, including micro-scratches and wear marks, mainly visible on the clasp and the outer links of the bracelet. The case, bezel and dial remain in good condition, and the sapphire crystal shows no notable defects. Its functions have been checked and the watch has been tested by our partner watchmakers prior to being put up for sale, so it is ready to wear upon receipt without any further action required.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand watch retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and collection in-store, or fully secure international delivery.
* Good condition – Watch has been worn. Some signs of wear (micro-scratches, wear marks, etc.). Fully functional and tested by our partner watchmakers.
