In this article, we talk about the iconic complications of horology: day and date.
What is your first expectation from a wristwatch? Presumably, your answer would be to display the time. Let's go one step further. What can be your next expectation? Which complication is often used after the hour, minute, and second displays? Chronograph? I do not think so. Minute repeater? Can't even get close to it. Tourbillon? Come on, it's not even referred to as a functional feature anymore.
The emergence of this problem dates back to ancient times. The answers given are quite varied, but among all these complications, there is one such that no one can beat it when it comes to being useful.
In 1956, the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date, which was a gift from Rolex engineers to the world of watches, was the first and the best answer to this question. For the first time in the world of watches, the model, which displays the date and day (in full lettering), is a milestone for both the brand and the history of watchmaking. Today, the Rolex Day-Date model is available only in solid white, yellow, or rose gold and platinum case/bracelet options. There are 26 different language options for the day indicator.
Although Rolex Day-Date is the starting point of watches with day and date display, it is possible to come across this complication in models from various brands in the market. Without going too far, the Royal model welcomes us when we look at the catalog of Rolex’s sister company, Tudor. I guess it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call the Tudor Royal “Day-Date for mortals”, with its 41mm diameter case in steel or steel/gold options and with its integrated bracelet.
We raise the bar a little higher. Now, we have the Omega Aqua Terra 150M Day-Date with its characteristic design elements and an in-house movement. The 41.5mm diameter case, available in stainless steel or gold, houses the automatic movement with Co-Axial escapement.
Oris is one of the brands that I admire the most among the brands that produce watches with day and date complications. The Swiss brand, which includes many Day-Date models in its product range, from the diver model Aquis to the aviation-themed Big Crown and even the Artelier series with classical lines, maintains its usual success in the price/performance category.
Are you looking for an entry-level Day-Date model? Why not look at one of the brilliant models from Tissot, Hamilton, Seiko, or even Swatch? Or let me ask: what is your favorite Day-Date?
