As the plane descends into Paris, I catch a fleeting glimpse of the city below, a sight that should excite me. But beneath my face mask, I feel a familiar weight of anxiety. The coronavirus looms large, a constant reminder of the strange times we live in.
Today, I’m set to meet John, a seller at Charles de Gaulle Airport, to finalize a deal for a pre-owned Rolex Day-Date 36 in platinum with a Glacier Blue Wave Arabic dial. If everything goes as planned, the transaction should be completed in an hour, after which I’ll return to Stockholm. What’s making me uneasy, though, is the fact that we’re conducting the deal in cryptocurrency.
Cryptocurrency allows for immediate transfer between private individuals, bypassing the delays banks impose. But it also carries risks, and it’s this uncertainty that keeps me on edge.
As the plane touches down, my phone pings with a message from John. “Hi Niclas, a bus just hit my car.” He even sends a photo of the damaged vehicle. My first thought: Is he okay? Followed quickly by the worry that the deal might fall through entirely.
The Iconic Day-Date: A Symbol of Prestige
The Rolex Day-Date has earned its reputation as one of the brand’s most prestigious models since its debut at Baselworld in 1956. Eleven years earlier, replica Rolex revolutionized the watch world with the Datejust, the first automatic watch to feature a date function. In 1956, they followed up with the Day-Date, adding the groundbreaking “Day” window at 12 o’clock.
At its core, the Day-Date retained the successful 36mm case of the Datejust, but it was offered exclusively in precious metals like gold and platinum. While most of the Day-Date’s history is linked with these materials, there are rare steel prototypes, believed to be training watches or test pieces, that have surfaced at auctions.
Over the decades, the Day-Date has remained a symbol of sophistication. Known for its signature “President” bracelet – a semi-circular, three-piece link – the model earned the nickname “The President’s Watch.” This association grew stronger in 1965 when U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson was photographed wearing a yellow gold Rolex Day-Date. Rolex seized on this connection, marketing the Day-Date as the watch for the world’s elite.
The Glacier Blue Dial: A Glimpse of Frozen Beauty
The watch I’m about to acquire is a platinum model with the stunning “Glacier Blue Wave Arabic Dial.” This dial is unique to Rolex’s platinum pieces and shifts between shades of icy blue and silver, depending on the light. The dark blue Arabic numerals stand out against this dynamic backdrop, enhancing the dial’s depth and complexity.
A smooth bezel is another hallmark of platinum Day-Dates, a detail Rolex has adhered to since the model’s inception. However, in 2022, they introduced a fluted bezel on the platinum Day-Date, dividing collectors into two camps: those who prefer the smooth bezel for its distinction from the gold models, and those who appreciate the newer fluted design. In contrast, the Day-Date in white gold, which once offered a smooth bezel, no longer does.
The 36mm Case: Timeless and Elegant
While the Day-Date has been available in different sizes over the years, the 36mm version remains the most iconic. In 2008, Rolex introduced the clone Rolex Day-Date II, with a larger 42mm case, followed by the 40mm Day-Date 40 in 2015. These models found their market, but for me, the 36mm remains the quintessential size – ideal for both large and small wrists alike.
Wearing a Day-Date in platinum, especially with the Glacier Blue dial, is a statement. The weight of the platinum gives the watch a substantial feel, one that makes its presence known without being overwhelming. The heft is something that makes you appreciate the craftsmanship each time you wear it.
A Nervous Encounter in Paris
At the airport, I finally meet John, a younger man dressed casually in a white T-shirt and baggy pants. It’s hard to imagine that he owns such a prestigious replica watch, but I remind myself not to judge a book by its cover. His easygoing demeanor puts me at ease as we sit down to discuss the watch.
John tells me he’s a fan of the Rolex Yacht-Master, which he owns in multiple variations. The conversation flows naturally, and I start to feel confident that this transaction is going smoothly.
After confirming the watch’s serial number and ensuring everything matches the warranty card, I notice one detail: the watch has 22 links, not the standard 24. Given the high cost of each platinum link – about €2,000 when purchased from Rolex – this is something I’m aware of, as missing links can affect the resale value. I count the remaining components and examine the dial and hands for signs of tampering. Everything looks good.
The final step is payment. John handles cryptocurrency transactions with ease. After a quick transfer, the watch is mine, and I’m on my way to check in for my flight back to Stockholm, unaware of the issue waiting to surface.
A Hidden Flaw
Back in Stockholm, I visit a friend who works with watches. I ask him to adjust the bracelet, unsure if the size is right. When he returns the watch to me, I can see the concern in his eyes.
“The link is broken,” he says. “Several screws are loose, and it’s impossible to add or remove links. Right now, the link is held together by broken screws.”
Relieved that the watch isn’t fake, I take it to AB Heymann & Kuhlmann, a renowned jeweler in Stockholm. After inspecting the watch, they confirm the link can be repaired. The problem was that too much Loctite had been used on the screws, making them impossible to remove without damaging the threads.
I contact John to inform him of the issue and ask if he could cover the repair cost. To my surprise, he responds immediately, apologizing for the oversight. “Don’t worry, we’ll sort this out,” he assures me.
A few days later, John transfers the money for the repairs as promised, and I feel a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. Not every seller would handle the situation so professionally, and I find myself grateful for John’s integrity.
When I finally get the watch back from the jeweler, it feels like new. Wearing the platinum Day-Date 36 on my wrist is a reminder of the journey I’ve taken, the unexpected challenges, and the joy of acquiring a truly special piece. The weight, the craftsmanship, and the subtle elegance of the Glacier Blue dial are everything I hoped for and more.