what is a double quick rolex | Rolex day date quickset

The world of vintage and modern Rolex watches can be a labyrinth of terminology and features. One such term that frequently arises, especially when discussing vintage and neo-vintage models, is "Double Quick Rolex." Understanding this term is crucial for collectors and enthusiasts alike, as it directly impacts the ease of use and, consequently, the desirability and value of a particular Rolex timepiece. Let's delve deep into what a Double Quick Rolex truly means, comparing it to other Rolex setting mechanisms and exploring the nuances within this category.

Decoding the "Quickset" Feature: A Foundation

Before we can understand the significance of a Double Quick Rolex, we need to understand the fundamental concept of a "quickset" function in watches. In essence, a quickset function allows the wearer to independently advance the date and/or day displays without repeatedly advancing the hour hand through a full 24-hour cycle. This is achieved through a specific position on the crown that allows for a separate mechanism to manipulate the date or day discs.

Prior to the introduction of quickset mechanisms, setting the date or day on a watch was a cumbersome process. Imagine having a watch that has been sitting unworn for a few days. To set the date forward by three days, you would need to rotate the hour hand through 72 hours (three full days) to advance the date correctly. This was tedious and time-consuming. The quickset complication offered a much more convenient solution.

Single Quickset: A Step Forward

The first iteration of the quickset feature usually only applied to the date. In a "single quickset" Rolex, you could pull the crown out to a specific position and rotate it to advance the date independently of the hour hand. This was a significant improvement over the non-quickset models.

"I have a single quick means I have to turn the hands around to change the DAY. For the date I can set just by the crown." This statement accurately describes a Rolex with a single quickset function. You can quickly adjust the *date* using the crown, but setting the *day* requires cycling the hour hand through a 24-hour period for each day you need to advance.

The Double Quick Rolex: The Pinnacle of Convenience

The "Double Quick Rolex" takes the quickset concept a step further. This means the watch allows you to independently adjust *both* the date *and* the day of the week using the crown, without needing to cycle through the hour hand. This feature is most commonly associated with the Rolex Day-Date, often referred to as the "President," but it also appears in some Datejust models as well.

Imagine the same scenario as before: your Rolex has been sitting unworn for a few days. With a Double Quick Rolex, you can pull the crown out to one position to quickly advance the date and then pull it out to another position to quickly advance the day of the week. This significantly simplifies the process of setting the watch after a period of inactivity, making it considerably more user-friendly.

Rolex Double Quick Set: Models and Variations

The most iconic example of a Rolex with a double quickset function is the Rolex Day-Date. This model, first introduced in 1956, was the first wristwatch to display both the date and the day of the week spelled out in full on the dial. While early Day-Date models did *not* have a quickset function, the introduction of the Caliber 3055 movement in 1977 marked the arrival of the double quickset feature in the Day-Date line.

* Rolex Day-Date (Caliber 3055 and later): These models are the quintessential Double Quick Rolex. The crown typically has three positions: one for winding, one for setting the day, and one for setting the date. The Caliber 3155, which superseded the 3055, also features a double quickset mechanism and is found in later Day-Date models. Current Day-Date models continue to utilize a double quickset function, albeit with increasingly sophisticated movements.

While the Day-Date is the flagship example, some Datejust models also feature a double quickset, particularly those with the Caliber 3135 movement introduced in the late 1980s. However, it's important to note that the term "Double Quick" is most strongly associated with the Day-Date due to its inherent design requiring both date and day functionality.

Rolex Non-Quick vs. Double Quick: A Comparison

The difference between a non-quickset Rolex and a Double Quick Rolex is stark.what is a double quick rolex

* Non-Quickset: As described earlier, setting the date and day on a non-quickset Rolex requires repeatedly advancing the hour hand. This can be a laborious and time-consuming process, especially if the watch has been inactive for an extended period. Furthermore, excessive manipulation of the hands in older models can contribute to wear and tear on the movement.

* Double Quick: The double quickset feature provides unparalleled convenience. You can quickly and easily adjust both the date and the day using the crown, saving significant time and effort. This feature also reduces the potential for wear and tear on the movement caused by repeatedly cycling the hands.

The presence or absence of a quickset function, particularly a double quickset, significantly impacts the user experience. Collectors often prioritize models with quickset features, especially for watches that are not worn daily.

Rolex Single vs. Non-Quick: A Middle Ground