Simply Abu Dhabi XXXV

M any iconic watch models have nicknames, and the Rolex Day-Date has a real killer – “The President’sWatch.” That moniker says a lot in a few words. It is the ultimate prestige watch. A powerful signifier of status. It is presented on the President’s bracelet – instantly recognisable with its semi-circular three-piece links – which was created for the launch of the watch back in 1956. The President bracelet on the five new versions presented at Baselworld 2019 are equipped with an elegant concealed folding Crownclasp and includes ceramic inserts inside the links to enhance its flexibility and longevity. A concealed attachment system ensures seamless visual continuity between the bracelet and case. When the Day-Date was introduced to the world it was considered both innovative and highly technical, as it was the first calendar wristwatch to indicate, in addition to the date, the day of the week spelt out in full in an arc-shaped window at 12 o’clock – in no less than of 26 languages. As one would expect for such a prestigious timepiece, all watches in the Day-Date range are only made in precious metals – yellow, white or Everose gold or 950 platinum. The Oyster case is legendary – formidably strong and yet undeniably elegant. Its middle case is crafted from a solid block of gold and the case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The winding crown, fitted with the Twinlock double waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case. Whilst the instant iconic appeal remains the same, inside the watch there are big changes. For the first time, powering this new version of the Day-Date 36 is the calibre 3255, a new-generation movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. A consummate demonstration of technology, at the forefront of the art of watchmaking, this self-winding mechanical movement led to the filing of several patents and offers fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability. The calibre 3255 incorporates the Chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic interference. The movement is fitted with an optimised blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive paramagnetic alloy that makes it up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. The blue Parachrom hair- spring is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring its regularity in any position. This self-winding calibre is as beautiful as it is reliable, and thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of the 3255 is an impressive 70 hours. Have no fear about swimming in the Day-Date – no water will penetrate the case to affect that valuable movement. The watch is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres. The scratchproof sapphire is virtually unbreakable and is fitted with the classic Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock to magnify the date. There are five versions of but the most arresting is the 18ct gold version with a green ombré sunray finished dial, with eight diamonds in 18ct yellow gold settings and two baguette-cut diamonds in 18ct yellow gold settings at 6 and 9 o’clock.