The very best Day-Date watches: luxurious & affordable
First of all: What is a Day-Date watch?
Well, we all know English... Day-Date literally means: day date. And that's exactly what it means in watchmaking: a watch with a day and date display. A day-date watch not only tells the time but also displays the day of the week and the date.
And why is a day date so practical?
A typical day-date watch displays the full name of the day (e.g., "Monday") and the date (usually in numbers) on the dial. On most models, the day is at the top of the dial at 12 o'clock, while the date is often found at 3 o'clock. This convenient combination allows you to be fully aware of the time, day, and date at a glance.
A Day-Date on your wrist is like having a personal assistant that never sleeps.
Top 10 Day Date Watches for Men
Day Date watches are both beautiful and practical. They're convenient for knowing the day and date first thing in the morning, and they also give you a beautiful watch on your wrist. The iconic Rolex Day Date is especially beautiful. That's why we've compiled a list of these watches: the top 10 Day Date watches for men .
Brand |
Model |
Price range (€) |
1 Rolex | Day-Date 40 | 35,000 - 75,000 |
2 Patek Philippe | Calatrava Day-Date | 45,000 - 90,000 |
3 Audemars Piguet | Royal Oak Day-Date | 38,000 - 65,000 |
4 Omega | Aqua Terra Day-Date | 5,800 - 12,000 |
5 Longines | Master Collection Day-Date | 2,500 - 4,500 |
6 TAG Heuer | Carrera Day-Date | 3,200 - 6,800 |
7 Urban Ace | Zephyr Day-Date | 175 - 230 |
8 Seiko | Presage Day-Date | 400 - 1,200 |
9 Tissot | PR 100 Day-Date | 450 - 950 |
10 Orient | Bambino Day-Date | 150 - 350 |

The Zephyr Legacy Gradient Black is an example of a day date watch
What are the best Day-Date watches for every price range?
Category | Model | Material options |
Luxury models | Rolex Day-Date 40 | 18k yellow, white or Everose gold, platinum |
Patek Philippe Calatrava Day Date | 18k white or yellow gold, platinum | |
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Day Date | Stainless steel, 18k gold, combination steel/gold | |
Mid-range models | Omega Aqua Terra Day-Date | Stainless steel, 18k gold, bi-color |
Longines Master Collection Day Date | Stainless steel, two-tone, 18k gold | |
TAG Heuer Carrera Day-Date | Stainless steel, titanium, bi-color | |
Affordable options | Urban Ace Zephyr Day-Date | 316L Stainless Steel |
Seiko Presage Day-Date | Stainless steel, gold-plated accents | |
Tissot PR 100 Day-Date | Stainless steel, bi-color | |
Orient Bambino Day-Date | Stainless steel, gold-plated accents |
Urban Ace Day-Date watches
Zephyr Legacy - Black

CHF 172.00
Zephyr Legacy - Gun Metal

CHF 172.00
Zephyr Legacy - Cherry Red

CHF 172.00
Zephyr Legacy - Gradient Black

CHF 153.00
Zephyr Legacy - Pacific Blue

CHF 172.00
Zephyr Legacy - White Gold

CHF 172.00
Zephyr Titan - Gun Metal

CHF 191.00
Zephyr Titan - Ice Blue

CHF 191.00
Zephyr Titan - Ice White

CHF 191.00
Zephyr Titan - Ocean Blue

CHF 191.00
Zephyr Titan - Olive Green

CHF 191.00
Zephyr Titan - Rose Gold

CHF 191.00
Luxury models
- Rolex Day-Date 40 : The ultimate Rolex men's day-date model, crafted from 18-karat gold or platinum. Equipped with Rolex's high-quality caliber 3255 movement, this watch offers unparalleled accuracy and prestige.
- Patek Philippe Calatrava Day-Date : A paragon of Swiss craftsmanship, with an elegant design and an exceptionally accurate movement.
- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Day-Date : This model combines the iconic Royal Oak case with a practical day-date function.
Mid-range models
- Omega Aqua Terra Day-Date : A versatile watch with excellent value for money and characteristic elegance.
- Longines Master Collection Day-Date : Swiss precision combined with a classic design and a more affordable price.
- TAG Heuer Carrera Day-Date : A sporty day-date model that combines reliability with a dynamic look.
Affordable options
- Urban Ace Zephyr Day-Date : The Urban Ace day-date model is reliable and remains affordable. The Zephyr is available in various colors.
- Seiko Presage Day-Date : This Seiko day-date model offers Japanese reliability and an elegant look at a fraction of the price of Swiss luxury brands.
- Tissot PR 100 Day-Date : An accessible Swiss-made watch with a day-date function and durable construction.
- Orient Bambino Day-Date : A watch with a vintage look and modern reliability at a surprisingly low price.
How did the iconic Day-Date watch come into being?
Rolex Day-Date: The "President"
The history of day-date watches is inextricably linked to Rolex . In 1956, Rolex introduced the first watch to display both the day and date in full: the Rolex Day-Date . This model quickly became known as the "President" due to its popularity among world leaders and influential figures.
The Day-Date Rolex model was revolutionary because it was the first waterproof , automatic watch to display both the day (in 26 languages) and the date. The signature "President" bracelet, consisting of semi-circular, three-piece links, was designed specifically for this model and contributed to its iconic status.
Over the years, the Rolex Day Date watch has remained the brand's flagship, with improvements in movement, choice of materials and design, but always faithful to the original concept.
Other iconic Day-Date models
Besides Rolex , other major watch brands have also released their own interpretation of the day-date concept:
- Omega Seamaster Day-Date : A classic model that combines Omega's reliability with day-date functionality.
- Seiko Day Date Watch : Seiko has introduced more affordable day-date models, combining Japanese precision with useful functions.
- Breitling Chronomat Day-Date : For those who prefer a sportier look, Breitling offers robust day-date chronographs.
Day-Date watches are for people who schedule their success one day at a time.
All Urban Ace day date watch models
Zephyr 2.0 - Chocolate

CHF 172.00
Zephyr 2.0 - Money Green

CHF 172.00
Zephyr 2.0 - Emerald Green

CHF 172.00
Zephyr 2.0 - Obsidian Black

CHF 153.00
Zephyr 2.0 - Rose Gold

CHF 172.00
Zephyr 2.0 - Royal Edition

CHF 172.00
Zephyr Legacy - Black

CHF 172.00
Zephyr Legacy - Cherry Red

CHF 172.00
Zephyr Legacy - Cherry Red DEMO MODEL

CHF 143.00
Zephyr Legacy - Gradient Black

CHF 153.00
Zephyr Legacy - Gun Metal

CHF 172.00
Zephyr Legacy - Pacific Blue

CHF 172.00
Zephyr Legacy - White Gold

CHF 172.00
Zephyr Titan - Gun Metal

CHF 191.00
Zephyr Titan - Ice Blue

CHF 191.00
Day-Date vs. Other Watches: Which is Right for You?
When choosing a luxury men's watch, it's important to consider which features are most important to you. Here's a comparison to help you make the right choice:
Want to know everything about a Datejust watch? Then read our blog: What is a Date Just watch?
Day-Date vs. Datejust
The Rolex Datejust displays only the date, while a Day Date Rolex displays both the day and the date. The Day Date is more exclusive and is offered only in precious metals, while the Datejust is also available in steel.
Day-Date vs. Chronograph
A men's day-date watch focuses on everyday usability with its calendar display, while a chronograph is designed for measuring time intervals. Choose a chronograph if you frequently need to measure time, or a day-date for everyday convenience.
Day-Date vs. GMT / World Time Watches
If you travel frequently or work internationally, a GMT or world time watch can be more practical, displaying multiple time zones. A day-date watch is more geared towards local use and daily planning.
In business, knowing what day it is can be as important as knowing what time it is.
Why should you buy a Day-Date watch?
The appeal of a day-date watch lies in its perfect combination of functionality and style. Here are a few reasons why watch enthusiasts choose a day-date :
- Practical daily use : At a glance you know what day it is and the date, which is particularly useful during a busy working week.
- Investment : Some models, such as the Rolex Day-Date , retain their value excellently and can even increase in value.
- Craftsmanship : Day-date watches often demonstrate superb watchmaking craftsmanship, with precise mechanical movements that last for generations.
- Status symbol : Especially the luxury models are seen as a symbol of success and good taste.
A Day-Date doesn't merely tell time; it organizes it.
Luxury vs. Affordable Day-Date Watches: The Best Choice
What makes luxury Day-Date watches worth the investment?
A luxury day date watch like the Rolex Day Date is distinguished by:
- Materials : 18-karat gold, platinum and gemstones
- Craftsmanship : Handcrafted finishing and precise assembly
- Movement : In-house developed movements with superior precision
- History : A rich heritage and proven reputation
- Exclusivity : Limited production and high status
- Value retention : Potential to maintain or increase value
When should you choose an affordable model?
An affordable day date watch model can be an excellent choice if:
- You appreciate the functionality without spending a fortune
- Your interest in watches is still developing
- You prefer to have several watches for different occasions
- You are looking for a reliable, everyday watch that does not require a large investment
A watch tells more than just time - it tells something about who you are.
Maintenance and care for your Day-Date watch
How do you maintain a Day-Date?
To ensure your day-date watch lasts for generations, here are some maintenance tips:
- Regular cleaning : Wipe your watch regularly with a soft, dry cloth to remove sweat, dust and dirt.
- Periodic maintenance : Have a luxury watch such as a Rolex men's day date serviced by a certified specialist every 5-10 years.
- Check water resistance : Have your watch's water resistance tested regularly, especially for older models.
- Avoid extreme conditions : Protect your watch from extreme temperatures, magnetic fields and hard impacts.
- Proper storage : Store your watch in a watch box or pouch when not wearing it, especially for models such as the day-date Rolex .
Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.
Conclusion: The timeless character of Day-Date watches
The day-date watch embodies the perfect balance between functionality and style. Whether you choose the luxurious Rolex day-date , the reliability and affordability of an Urban Ace day-date , or a completely different model, such as a Seiko day-date , a day-date is and remains a versatile addition to any watch collection.
The combination of day and date display makes these watches practical for everyday use, while their beautiful appearance makes them suitable for any occasion. With proper care, a men's day-date watch can be a lifelong companion, or even an heirloom passed down through generations. Buying a day-date watch is a choice you'll never regret!