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A multimillion-won Rolex belonging to singer Jang Yun-jeong has drawn public attention after being shown on camera. Her husband, Do Kyung-wan, described the watch as "overwhelmingly expensive" — it is the Day-Date, Rolex's flagship top-tier collection, in an 18-karat gold model.
Do recently showcased his wife's watch collection on his YouTube channel, "Do-jang TV." Picking up the Rolex Day-Date from among several pieces, he said, "If I wore this, people would point fingers at me — but I'd have to admit that Jang Yun-jeong is someone who can pull it off."
He added that the watch felt so heavy just holding it that he was afraid of dropping it, and said Jang had worn it several times when she appeared as a judge on television programs.
The specific reference number and purchase price were not disclosed in the video. The entry-level Day-Date 36 in 18-karat yellow gold is currently listed at 70.81 million won ($52,100) on Rolex's official South Korean website. Prices climb well past 100 million won depending on whether the case is white gold or platinum and whether diamonds are set. Some diamond-set Day-Date 36 models carry official prices ranging from 150 million to 200 million won.
No steel option — what makes the Day-Date different
The Day-Date was introduced in 1956. At launch, it was the first wristwatch to display not only the date but also the full day of the week spelled out in letters rather than abbreviated.
What defines the collection is its material. While other major Rolex lines offer stainless steel models, the Day-Date has been made exclusively in precious metals — 18-karat gold or platinum — from the outset. Current models use yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold and platinum.
18-karat gold is an alloy with a gold content of 75 percent. It is harder than pure gold, making it well suited for everyday items such as watches and jewelry, while retaining the metal's distinctive color and luster.
Do's remark that the watch felt "heavy" is directly tied to this material. An all-precious-metal model — with both the case and bracelet crafted in gold — carries a noticeably greater sense of weight and presence on the wrist than a steel watch.
The Day-Date is currently sold primarily in 36mm and 40mm sizes. The 36mm emphasizes classic proportions, while the 40mm makes a bolder statement on the wrist. Women do not necessarily gravitate toward the smaller size; oversized watches worn as jewelry-like accessories have become increasingly common in recent styling.
Named for a president — the symbolism of the semicircular bracelet
Another defining element of the Day-Date is the President bracelet.
Rolex created the President bracelet specifically for the Day-Date at the time of the watch's 1956 launch. Its three rows of semicircular links give it a rounder, more jewelry-like appearance than a typical metal bracelet. The concealed Crownclasp fastening is nearly invisible from the outside, making the bracelet look like a continuous gold bangle.
The bracelet's design, along with the watch's long historical associations, is part of why the Day-Date is widely known as the "President Watch." Rolex itself markets the Day-Date as a collection worn by prominent figures in politics, culture and sport.
The fluted bezel is another element that shapes the Day-Date's character. Its evenly spaced grooves catch light differently depending on the angle, creating a shifting sparkle. Paired with yellow gold, the bezel produces a jewel-like brilliance even without diamond setting.
From 70 million to 200 million won — what drives the price difference
Even within the same case size, Day-Date prices vary considerably depending on material, dial and gem setting.
Based on current official South Korean pricing, the entry-level Day-Date 36 in 18-karat yellow gold starts at 70.81 million won. Certain 18-karat white gold Day-Date 36 models are priced in the 80 million won range, while the Day-Date 40 in white gold starts in the 90 million won range.
Prices rise quickly once diamonds are added to the bezel, dial or bracelet. A Day-Date 36 in 18-karat yellow gold with a diamond bezel exceeds 100 million won, and models with a fully diamond-set bracelet carry official prices above 190 million won. Some models combining Everose gold with diamonds exceed 200 million won.
A gold watch that draws the eye before the outfit — how to style it
The 18-karat yellow gold Day-Date commands immediate attention on the wrist, thanks to the intensity of its color and shine.
Particularly against understated outfits in black, navy or white, the gold stands out even more. Worn with a suit or blazer in a formal setting — as Jang has done on television judging panels — it projects a classic, authoritative look.
Adding a single all-gold watch to a simple T-shirt or knit instantly elevates the entire outfit. Because the watch itself functions as jewelry, it serves as a focal point without the need to layer multiple bracelets or rings.
Pairing it with yellow gold jewelry creates a cohesive look, while mixed-metal styling — combining the yellow gold watch with white gold or silver-tone accessories — has also gained traction recently.
Dial color, too, shifts the overall mood. Rolex offers the Day-Date in white and champagne, as well as green, pink, blue and brown dials. Some models feature diamonds, mother-of-pearl or natural stone, meaning that even within the same all-gold watch family, the combination of elements can produce a very different impression.
rainbow@heraldcorp.com
