Pencil It In: Day-Date Watches Worth Your Time

When it comes to calendar watches, ones that display the day of the week along with the date of the month are perennial favorites. Unlike some other watch complications, the day-date is actually a useful one, even in today’s modernized world. Here are some of the best luxury day-date watches right now that pair legible dials with sophisticated silhouettes.

Rolex Day-Date

Simply known as the President, the Rolex Day-Date is by far the most famous of all. Introduced in 1956, the Day-Date was, in fact, the first wristwatch to include a window with the day entirely spelled out and a date window. Six decades later, the Day-Date has earned its status as Rolex’s flagship dress watch, available in a range of sizes, precious metals, and colorways. Originally only available with a 36 mm case, Rolex now offers the larger Day-Date 40 collection (there was also the short-lived 41mm Day-Date II). While the President bracelet with the semi-circular links is a signature design trait of the Day-Date, Rolex does also offer leather bands or Oyster bracelets on select models.

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Day-Date

The Aqua Terra’s casual chic vibe is the ideal Omega model to house the day-date complication given the straightforward dial design of the collection. Released in 2013, the current Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Day-Date features a duo of windows—one at 12 o’clock for the day and one right above 6 o’clock for the date—neatly nestled in the vertically striped dial found inside the 41.5 mm cases. And in true Omega fashion, there are plenty of different options within the Aqua Terra Day-Date range. Cases are available in steel, red gold, or two-tone steel and gold, while bracelets come in matching metal or contrasting leather.

Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Day-Date

Vacheron Constantin surprised onlookers this year with the introduction of a brand new collection they dubbed FiftySix. Inspired by a vintage Vacheron Constantin ref. 6073 from 1956, the new Fiftysix lineup offers a few different models including the Fiftysix Day-Date. Like all other models in the range, the Fiftysix Day-Date is available with pink gold or stainless steel 40 mm cases, complete with leather straps. Rather than apertures, Vacheron Constantin uses a pair of subsidiary dials to indicate the day and the date, which fits the style of the sector dial perfectly.

Breitling Premier Day & Date

Making its debut just last month, the Breitling Premier, which places an emphasis on elegance, is the brand’s newest watch collection. Among the various new models, there’s the Breitling Premier Automatic Day & Date 40, made exclusively in stainless steel for now. There is however, the option of a black or silver dial, as well the choice between a steel bracelet and a leather strap. The Premier Automatic Day & Date 40 keeps things classic with the day display at the familiar 12 o’clock position and the date indicator at 6 o’clock.