Turns Out Joe Biden Loves a Rolex
Image: @JoeBiden
The ongoing drama of the United States lately has transfixed the world for quite some time now. Events including the presidential election/saga of November 2020, the storming of the White House in early January, Trump’s 2nd impeachment trial, and finally, the presidential inauguration on January 20th have left us in both shock and awe.
The inauguration of the next US president, Joe Biden, no doubt provided a much-needed day of celebration after months of turmoil. The US has not only faced intense political turbulence but also, in the words of Biden, ‘silently stalked’ by COVID19 with over 24 million recorded cases and over 400000 now dead in the US alone.
With that being said, it's easy to see how the inauguration was a day that many Americans have long-awaited, regardless of political affiliation. If only because it felt like a new beginning, there seemed to be a collective sigh of relief on both sides of the aisle as Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president and Kamala Harris sworn in as Vice President.
Highlights of the inauguration included star-studded performances by Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks, with Lady Gaga performing an emotional rendition of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’. Another standout moment was US National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman’s recital of her poem ‘The Hill We Climb’, which stirred the crowd with words that perfectly captured the sentiment of the past four years.
Slightly more understated, there was another factor that seemed to really steal the show as well: The fashion. Monochrome was the trend of the day with Jill Biden in ocean blue by Markarian, Jennifer Lopez in all white Chanel and Kamala Harris in a statement purple ensemble by Christopher John Rogers in a nod to Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman in Congress and the first woman to seek the nomination for president.
The new POTUS was also looking sharp in a grey wool overcoat atop a meticulous, single-breasted navy-blue Ralph Lauren suit. What really stole the show, however, was the watch. Showing off his stylish side, Biden sported a Rolex Datejust as he was sworn in. The enviable timepiece was also hard to miss during his first moments in the Oval Office where he signed his first executive orders.
Image: @POTUS
Joe Biden’s Rolex Watch
Image: Rolex
Watch fanatics were quick to notice this subtle change in taste. Turns out that Biden has previously favoured Omega, spotted wearing both the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch and the Omega Seamaster Professional 300M. But for the big day, he opted for the Rolex Datejust, selecting the elegant Oystersteel and 18-karat white gold 41mm model.
So yes, maybe the new president chose a new watch to mark this new chapter. Fair enough, we say—but watch fanatics were quick to question why exactly he chose this Rolex model when there's one aptly nicknamed "the President".
While it may seem like an arbitrary chose, there is no overlooking the fact that the Datejust was the first Rolex in the White House. GQ reports that in 1951, Rolex famously outfitted president-to-be Eisenhower in a gold, engraved Datejust. "The watch famously appeared on a cover of Life with the general and then accompanied him into the White House in 1953."
Coincidence? We think not.
Major watch inspiration? 100%.
To help get you kitted out, presidential style, we have handpicked three of the finest Rolex watches available. Whether you just want to have a browse or channel your inner power-politician, there is a style here to suit every taste:
Rolex Datejust
This coveted wristwatch features a presidential blue dial with Chromalight display and long-lasting blue luminescence. The stylish Oystersteel bracelet is made of three-piece links with a folding Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm extension link. The watch boasts an impressive 70-hour power reserve, is water-resistant up to 100 metres and is equipped with a 3235 movement and Rolex’s signature fluted bezel.
Image: Rolex
Rolex Milgauss
What makes the Rolex Milgauss so unique is the mesmerising green sapphire crystal developed by Rolex, which is both scratch-proof and fade-proof. The electric Z-blue dial and orange lightning bolt seconds hand help make this watch distinctive and effortlessly cool. It is waterproof up to 100 metres and has a 48-hour power reserve.
Image: Rolex
Rolex Air-King
The Air-King stands out with its distinctive black dial with a combination of large 3, 6 and 9 numerals marking the hours and a prominent minute scale for navigational time readings. The watch is complete with a bracelet made of Oystersteel and folding Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm extension link.
Image: Rolex