Changes in rolex day date

[sdicarlo24]

What year did significant changes take place on the time piece and other components?

[ltmgeller]

There have been a few significant changes over the years. The 42mm Daydate II in 2008 was a relatively short lived change until they went back to the 40mm 36mm case sizes.

[miamiclay]

Quite a few changes over nearly 70 years (otoh, very few of the changes are visible from a meter away).

A few of the major ones among 36mm DDs -

~1960-1977 - 4-digit 180x references w/pie pan dials (1803, 1807, etc)
1978-1988 - 180xx/181xx single-quick references, new movement (18038, 18078, etc)
1988-1999 - 182xx/183xx double-quick references, new movement (18238, 18308, etc)
2000 - 1182xx references, same movement w/heavier bracelet
2003 - Improved clasp

Hidden clasp President bracelet was introduced about 1971, older buckle clasp was still offered until about 1995. Rose gold only offered pre-‘77 and post-‘00 (except for a tiny bit in the Tridors).