The Day-Date was, at the time of its launch, somewhat of an exception for Rolex. The company had carved itself a name as the world’s foremost supplier of technical timepieces - most famously, pioneering waterproof cases and automatic movements - but it was much less recognised (ironically one might say, considering how different the situation is today) from the point of view of luxury timepieces. A first “breakthrough” of sorts came with the launch of the Datejust in 1947, a model based on previous “Big Bubble Back” pieces which blended the technical ethos of Rolex with a more luxurious spirit, and indeed was cased in gold. Following the success of the Datejust, in 1957 the Day-Date was launched. It will go on to become one of the most easily recognisable luxury timepieces on the planet, worn by Heads of States, entrepreneurs and artists among many others. In order to underline the exclusivity of the model, Rolex decided to produce the Day-Date exclusively in precious metals: such “ban” on steel Day-Date models in fact remains in effect to this very day.

As they say, however, there are exceptions to every rule, including the “no steel Day-Date” one. As it turns out, an absurdly restricted number of prototype/scholar pieces have in fact been made in stainless steel. One example (movement no. 0004547) is portrayed in John Goldberger’s Rolex “bible” 1000 Superlative Rolex Watches. Two more were sold by Phillips in 2018 (no. 0005073) and in 2019 (no. DD411420), and a fourth example (no. DD14749)appeared in this salesroom in November 2021. Another example (movement DD081221) is also known from the public market. They all bear no case number, the same as the present piece, indicating they were prototype pieces.

This example belongs to this fascinating and absurdly scarce category of prototype pieces but it presents a peculiarity that sets it apart all the other specimens known: while the others feature a flat dial with either Roman or baton numerals, the present watch mounts a textured “linen effect” dial. A highly charming finish rarely employed by the brand - but seen on other similar pieces - not only it deeply modifies the aesthetic of the watch making it more subtle and elegant, but it also sets this example apart from the other ones known.