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Rolex Day-Date "President"

Ref. 228238

The Rolex Day-Date, nicknamed the "Presidents' Watch", is the most prestigious watch in the Rolex lineup. Exclusively crafted in precious metals, yellow, white, or Everose gold and platinum, the Day-Date has been the watch of world leaders, presidents, and visionaries since 1956.

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History

Rolex Day-Date

The Rolex Day-Date was introduced in 1956 as the first wristwatch to display both the date and the day of the week spelled out in full. This was a technical milestone: the day window at the 12 o'clock position showed the day in one of 26 available languages, while the date window sat at the customary 3 o'clock position. Rolex decided that this watch would be crafted exclusively in precious metals, a tradition that continues to this day.

The watch quickly earned the nickname "Presidents' Watch" after being worn by numerous heads of state, including American President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who received one of the first Day-Date examples in 1956. Lyndon B. Johnson was also a well-known wearer, as were many other world leaders in the decades that followed. The association with power, leadership, and success made the Day-Date an unparalleled status symbol.

The Day-Date was also the first Rolex watch equipped with the President bracelet, a three-piece metal bracelet with semi-circular links designed specifically for this model. The President bracelet, like the watch itself, became an icon and is exclusively available on the Day-Date and Day-Date 40. Over the years, the model has been available in 36 mm and since 2008 also in 40 mm (first as the Day-Date II, later refined to the Day-Date 40).

The current Day-Date 40 is powered by caliber 3255, a movement entirely developed in-house by Rolex with a 70-hour power reserve and the Chronergy escapement. The model is available in an impressive variety of dials, from classic sunray finishes to exclusive stone dials of meteorite, onyx, or turquoise. The Day-Date remains the watch that sets the ultimate standard in luxury watchmaking.

Highlights

Day-Date

  • First watch with both day and date display, spelled out in full in 26 languages
  • Exclusively crafted in 18 ct gold (yellow, white, Everose) or 950 platinum
  • Iconic President bracelet with semi-circular links, exclusive to the Day-Date
  • Caliber 3255 with Chronergy escapement and 70-hour power reserve
  • Available with rare dials: meteorite, onyx, turquoise, and gemstones
  • The "Presidents' Watch", worn by heads of state and world leaders since 1956

Specifications

Specs

Case material 18 ct gold (yellow/white/Everose) / 950 platinum
Case diameter 36 mm / 40 mm
Case thickness 12,0 mm (36 mm) / 12,6 mm (40 mm)
Lug width 19 mm (36 mm) / 21 mm (40 mm)
Lug-to-lug 44,5 mm (36 mm) / 47,8 mm (40 mm)
Case finish Polished
Case back Screw-down, solid precious metal
Bezel material 18 ct gold or 950 platinum
Bezel type Fixed: fluted or smooth (platinum)
Dial color Various (champagne, ice blue, olive green, meteorite, etc.)
Hour markers Applied indices, Roman numerals, or diamonds
Luminescent material Chromalight (blue luminescence)
Caliber 3255 (40 mm) / 3235 (36 mm)
Movement type Automatic (Perpetual), bidirectional rotor
Power reserve 70 hours
Frequency 28.800 A/h (4 Hz)
Jewels 31
Certification Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex, -2/+2 s/day)
Bracelet type President, three semi-circular links
Bracelet material 18 ct gold or 950 platinum
Clasp type Crownclasp concealed folding clasp
Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, day, date
Date display Day at 12 o'clock (spelled out, 26 languages), date at 3 o'clock with Cyclops lens
Water resistance 100 m / 330 ft
Crystal Sapphire crystal with Cyclops lens
Weight (approx) ~207 g (40 mm, yellow gold)

Popular variants

Rolex Day-Date

Rolex Day-Date Day-Date 40 Everose Gold

Day-Date 40 Everose Gold

228235

The Day-Date 40 in 18 ct Everose gold with fluted bezel. The warm rose gold of Rolex's patented Everose alloy does not fade and retains its color for a lifetime. Available with various dial options, including the popular "Sundust" and chocolate-colored dials. A contemporary interpretation of the Presidents' Watch.

Rolex Day-Date Day-Date 40 Yellow Gold

Day-Date 40 Yellow Gold

228238

The Day-Date 40 in 18 ct yellow gold, the most classic execution of the Presidents' Watch. The combination of yellow gold case, fluted bezel, and President bracelet is the ultimate expression of luxury and tradition. This is the watch that defined the Day-Date and has been worn by the most influential people in the world for generations.

Rolex Day-Date Day-Date 36 Yellow Gold

Day-Date 36 Yellow Gold

128238

The Day-Date in the original 36 mm size, in 18 ct yellow gold. This is the size that made the Presidents' Watch a legend, compact, elegant, and timeless. The 36 mm Day-Date is appreciated by connoisseurs who prefer classic proportions and a more understated presence on the wrist.

Sell your watch

Own a Rolex Day-Date? Sell it to us, fair offer within 24 hours

Immediate payment via bank transfer. No hidden fees, no obligation.

Sell your watch
Offer within 24 hours Payment via bank transfer 5.0 Google Reviews CoC: 85201790

Frequently asked questions: Rolex Day-Date

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