Which Rolex watch, launched in 1956, displays the day and date through apertures at 12 and 3 o’clock?

The story behind the answer

The Rolex watch launched in 1956 with day and date displays at 12 and 3 o’clock is the Day-Date.

The Day-Date was the first wristwatch to display the day of the week fully spelled out, rather than using only an abbreviated indicator. Its date window sits at 3 o’clock, while the day aperture occupies the top of the dial. This arrangement gave the watch its familiar nickname, “President,” although that nickname properly refers to the bracelet and broader cultural association rather than being the original model name.

Rolex introduced the Day-Date in precious metals, unlike the steel Datejust. The watch used Rolex’s self-winding Oyster system and a water-resistant Oyster case, combining practical construction with a formal precious-metal design.

The Datejust is related but displays only the date. The Sky-Dweller is a later Rolex model with annual-calendar and dual-time functions, so it is not the answer to this specific two-aperture layout.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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