As we previously announced, Rolex introduced six new Rolex Day-Date watches for 2013 at Baselworld. Unfortunately, they didn’t give them unique names (aside from the reference numbers) outside of the standard Rolex Day-Date collection, but in our opinion these are special models. When we first saw them in their glorious colors through the windows at the Rolex booth, we immediately dismissed them as fashionable ladies watches. However, after getting a hands-on look, we can pretty easily say that there is something in here for men and women alike. The Rolex Day-Date II watch came out a few years ago that upped the famous Rolex Day-Date to a 41mm wide, versus 36mm wide case size. Nevertheless, many men out there still wear the 36mm Rolex Day-Date.
Rolex has pushed the majority of its men’s watches into the 40mm wide plus range, reserving most of the 39mm and under timepieces for women. Having said that, the new 2013 Rolex Day-Date watches are strictly unisex by Rolex standards. Even so, “unisex” in this situation means just that. These are pieces that many women will gravitate to, but there is an appeal for me. So ask yourself, is there a color combination here that works for you as a man?
The array of new colors is really fantastic. Many of these are colors that Rolex has offered in historic models in the past, but feel fresh for today. In fact this entire collection of Rolex Day-Date models is not only a bit retro, but a sign that Rolex is interested in keeping up with fashionable trends. Vintage Rolex watches live on many wrists, and what many people have done to spruce up an older Rolex Day-Date (President) or Datejust is take it off its original bracelet and put it on a strap. While straps on Rolex watches aren’t unheard out of the factory, they are not entirely common. Think of most current Rolex watches and they all come on (only) a bracelet.
Rolex offering an alligator strap on the Rolex Day-Date is thus a bit unique given their current collection. Though I don’t think the brand, famous for its bracelets, will change that anytime soon. Even though these Rolex Day-Date models look fresh and less serious than your typical Rolex fare, being offered exclusively in gold (at least for 2013), they are certainly high-end models. The new pieces are called the Rolex Day-Date Blue (118139), Cherry (118139), Chocolate (118135), Rhodium (118135), Green (118138), and Cognac (118138). You may notice that the reference numbers seem to only be distinct for the case material and not the dial colors oddly enough.
