About the Rolex Day-Date 36 128396TBR
The Rolex Day-Date was introduced in 1956 as the first wristwatch to display the day of the week spelled out in full alongside the date, and it has been produced exclusively in precious metals ever since, cementing its status as Rolex's prestige flagship. The 36 mm case size carries the original proportions of the model, keeping the Day-Date true to its mid-century roots while remaining relevant as a refined, wearable dress watch for any wrist. Reference 128396TBR sits at the pinnacle of the Day-Date 36 range, combining a full platinum case and bracelet with a baguette-set diamond bezel and a dial selection that spans classic silver and white to vivid turquoise and delicate pink mother of pearl. The president bracelet, exclusive to the Day-Date and the Lady-Datejust in certain configurations, adds a final layer of heritage and collectibility to every piece in this reference.
What to Look For
Within the 128396TBR family the primary differentiator is dial choice: stone-set dials such as white mother of pearl or turquoise carry a distinct collectibility and often command stronger resale interest, while clean lacquered dials in silver, white, or blue appeal to buyers who prefer a more traditional dress-watch aesthetic. The suffix letters in each full reference number encode the dial material, color, and bracelet, so confirming the exact reference against the dial you see is the best way to verify you have the precise configuration you want before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What metal is the Rolex Day-Date 36 128396TBR made from?
Every watch in the 128396TBR reference is crafted entirely in 950 platinum, including the case, bezel setting, and president bracelet. Platinum is the rarest and densest precious metal Rolex uses, and its use is exclusive to certain Day-Date references, making this watch a true top-tier offering in the lineup.
What makes the 128396TBR bezel different from a standard diamond bezel?
The TBR designation in the reference indicates a baguette-diamond bezel, meaning individually cut rectangular baguette diamonds are channel-set around the entire circumference of the bezel rather than the round brilliant stones found on other diamond-bezel variants. This setting style produces a more linear, geometric sparkle and is considered one of the most labor-intensive and prestigious bezel configurations Rolex offers.
Can I buy a Rolex Day-Date 36 128396TBR with a specific dial color from Bizak and Co.?
Yes, Bizak and Co. stocks multiple dial variants of the 128396TBR including ice blue, pink, blue, silver, white, white mother of pearl, and turquoise, so you can select the exact configuration that suits your preference. Each piece is authenticated and ready to ship, and our team can confirm current inventory and availability for any specific dial you are looking for.
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Buy, trade, or sell. Contact Bizak & Co. for pricing and availability on any reference in this collection.