Notes: This model is known as the 'Emperor'. Only 9 pieces were ever made, all on special order by the late Shah of Iran in the 1970s. All were made in Platinum. Each one is slightly different and carries its own number (1 - 9). All Nine models share the same case, the same movement and the same heavy bracelet and hidden special made clasp. Weighing a massive 290 grams in Platinum, it is may be the heaviest Rolex wristwatch ever made by the company. The bracelet is integrated with the watch. It is NOT replaceable - but it is solid platinum, why would you replace it? The case resembles an OysertQuartz

Version 1 is made with a blue dial and was auctioned by Phillips in 2016 at the Rolex Milestone sale in HK for $225’000 formerly in the ‘My way’ collection. Version 2 is a red lacquer Burgundy stella dial (much like the watch above) and sits in the private collection of JG. Version 4 is made with a white dial and was auctioned by Christies in 2011 achieving a result of CHF 165’000. Version 5 is the watch above made with a red lacquer Burgundy Stella dial and was auctioned by Phillips at the ‘Daydate’ sale in 2015 for CHF 300’000. Version 9 is with an Oman Khanjar and was sold at Sotheby’s in November 2018 in Geneva.

Mechanism: The 1566 was specifically built for the model 1831 watch. It is a slightly modified 1556 and is stamped "1556". It shares the same jewel count and other salient specifications as the 1556.

Family Notes: The Rolex Day-Date was introduced in 1956. It soon became known as the "Rolex President". It was unofficially renamed after President Eisenhower became associated with this model watch. This association was made as the watch was known to have been worn by LBJ and shared a scandalous connection to JFK. Since then it has earned the vote of a diverse array of potentates, including Warren Buffett, Jay Z, and (fictional character) Tony Soprano. In 1977, Rolex started using the new (at the time) 3055 movement for the Day-Date/President line. As of 2018, the Day-Date 40 uses the 3255 movement.