Rolex Day-Date

The Ultimate Rolex Prestige Watch

The Rolex Day-Date is one of the most prestigious watches ever created by Rolex. Known for its precious metal construction, day and date display, President bracelet, and timeless luxury design, the Day-Date has become a symbol of achievement, leadership, and refined success.

Introduced in 1956, the Rolex Day-Date was the first wristwatch to display both the date and the day of the week spelled out in full in separate windows. Unlike many other Rolex collections, the Day-Date is made exclusively in precious metals, including 18K yellow gold, 18K white gold, 18K Everose gold, and platinum.

At ECI Jewelers, we offer authentic Rolex Day-Date watches in select references, metals, dial styles, sizes, and bracelet configurations. Every watch is carefully authenticated and inspected by our in-house experts. All Rolex watches from ECI Jewelers come with the original Rolex box. If a watch is listed as a complete set, it also includes the original Rolex papers.

Why the Rolex Day-Date Is So Popular

The Rolex Day-Date is popular because it represents the highest level of classic Rolex luxury. It is elegant, recognizable, and built only in precious metals, giving it a more elevated feel than many stainless steel Rolex models.

Collectors and buyers love the Day-Date because it offers:

• Precious metal construction only

• Full day of the week display

• Instantaneous date display with Cyclops lens

• Iconic President bracelet on many models

• Current calibre 3255 movement

• 36 mm and 40 mm modern size options

• 100 meters / 330 feet of water resistance on modern models

• Yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold, and platinum options

• Diamond dial, Roman numeral, baguette, stone dial, and gem-set configurations

• Strong long-term collector appeal

• One of the most recognizable luxury dress watches in the world

The Day-Date is a strong choice for buyers who want a Rolex that feels powerful, elegant, and timeless.

Rolex Day-Date History

The Rolex Day-Date was introduced in 1956 and quickly became one of Rolex’s most important models. It was the first wristwatch to show both the date and the day of the week written out in full, making it practical, distinctive, and instantly recognizable.

The model became strongly associated with influential figures, leaders, executives, and collectors. Because of its connection to the President bracelet and its history of being worn by prominent people, the Day-Date is often called the “Rolex President.”

Over the years, Rolex has produced the Day-Date in multiple sizes, metals, dial styles, and rare configurations. From vintage yellow gold references to modern platinum models with ice blue dials, the Day-Date remains one of the brand’s most prestigious collections.

Current Rolex Day-Date References

The current Rolex Day-Date collection is available in 36 mm and 40 mm sizes. Current models use the Rolex calibre 3255 movement and are made exclusively in precious metals.

Rolex Day-Date 40 Reference 228238

The Rolex 228238 is the current Day-Date 40 in 18K yellow gold. It is one of the most classic modern Day-Date references and is often paired with the President bracelet.

Popular dial options may include champagne, white, black, green, diamond-marker, Roman numeral, and baguette diamond configurations depending on availability.

This reference is ideal for buyers who want the traditional yellow gold Day-Date look in a modern 40 mm size.

Rolex Day-Date 40 Reference 228239

The Rolex 228239 is the current Day-Date 40 in 18K white gold. It offers the prestige of a precious metal Rolex with a more understated silver-tone appearance.

This reference is popular with buyers who want full-gold luxury without the bold warmth of yellow gold.

Rolex Day-Date 40 Reference 228235

The Rolex 228235 is the current Day-Date 40 in 18K Everose gold. It offers a warm rose gold tone and a modern luxury feel.

Popular dial options may include chocolate, sundust, olive green, diamond-marker, Roman numeral, and baguette dial configurations depending on availability.

Rolex Day-Date 40 Reference 228236

The Rolex 228236 is the current Day-Date 40 in platinum. It is one of the most prestigious modern Day-Date references and is often associated with ice blue dial configurations.

Platinum Day-Date models are especially desirable because they represent the highest precious metal tier in the Rolex lineup.

Rolex Day-Date 36 Reference 128238

The Rolex 128238 is the current Day-Date 36 in 18K yellow gold. It keeps the classic Day-Date proportions while offering modern movement technology and refined Rolex finishing.

This reference is perfect for buyers who want the traditional Day-Date size with the current calibre 3255 movement.

Rolex Day-Date 36 Reference 128239

The Rolex 128239 is the current Day-Date 36 in 18K white gold. It offers a more understated precious metal look while keeping the classic 36 mm Day-Date profile.

Rolex Day-Date 36 Reference 128235

The Rolex 128235 is the current Day-Date 36 in 18K Everose gold. It offers warm precious metal styling in the classic 36 mm Day-Date size.

Rolex Day-Date 36 Reference 128236

The Rolex 128236 is the current Day-Date 36 in platinum. This reference is a refined and prestigious choice for buyers who want a smaller platinum Day-Date with modern Rolex performance.

Discontinued Rolex Day-Date References

Discontinued Rolex Day-Date references are highly collectible because they represent important eras in Rolex history. Many older references include dial designs, case proportions, bracelet styles, and movement generations that are no longer produced.

Rolex Day-Date Reference 118238

The Rolex 118238 is a discontinued Day-Date 36 in 18K yellow gold. It is one of the most popular modern pre-owned Day-Date references and is often seen with the President bracelet, champagne dial, diamond dial, or Roman numeral dial.

This reference is loved for its classic yellow gold look and more modern construction compared to earlier vintage references.

Rolex Day-Date Reference 118239

The Rolex 118239 is a discontinued Day-Date 36 in 18K white gold. It gives buyers a precious metal Rolex with a subtle silver-tone appearance.

Rolex Day-Date Reference 118235

The Rolex 118235 is a discontinued Day-Date 36 in 18K Everose or rose gold. It is popular with buyers who want a warm precious metal look in the classic Day-Date size.

Rolex Day-Date Reference 118206

The Rolex 118206 is a discontinued platinum Day-Date 36. Platinum Day-Date models are highly desirable because of their weight, rarity, and prestigious material.

Rolex Day-Date Reference 18238

The Rolex 18238 is a classic Day-Date 36 in 18K yellow gold. It introduced the double quickset feature, allowing the day and date to be adjusted more easily.

This reference is popular in the pre-owned market because it gives buyers a classic vintage-inspired President look with added convenience.

Rolex Day-Date Reference 18038

The Rolex 18038 is a vintage Day-Date 36 in 18K yellow gold. It features a sapphire crystal and quickset date, making it a popular bridge between vintage and more modern Day-Date models.

Rolex Day-Date Reference 1803

The Rolex 1803 is one of the most iconic vintage Day-Date references. Often found in 18K yellow gold, it is loved for its acrylic crystal, pie-pan dial style, vintage charm, and classic President bracelet look.

Rolex Day-Date II Reference 218238

The Rolex Day-Date II 218238 is a discontinued 41 mm Day-Date in 18K yellow gold. It offers a larger and bolder Day-Date presence compared to the classic 36 mm model.

Rolex Day-Date II Reference 218239

The Rolex Day-Date II 218239 is the discontinued 41 mm Day-Date in 18K white gold.

Rolex Day-Date II Reference 218235

The Rolex Day-Date II 218235 is the discontinued 41 mm Day-Date in 18K Everose gold.

Rolex Day-Date II Reference 218206

The Rolex Day-Date II 218206 is the discontinued 41 mm Day-Date in platinum.

The Day-Date II can appeal to buyers who want a larger and more substantial President-style Rolex, while the current Day-Date 40 offers a more refined modern case profile.

Rolex Day-Date Specifications

The Rolex Day-Date combines precious metal luxury with practical calendar functionality and modern Rolex movement technology.

Model: Rolex Day-Date
Current Sizes: 36 mm and 40 mm
Case: Rolex Oyster case
Materials: 18K yellow gold, 18K white gold, 18K Everose gold, or platinum
Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on modern models
Date Display: Instantaneous date with Cyclops magnification
Day Display: Day of the week spelled out in full
Water Resistance: 100 meters / 330 feet on modern models
Crown: Twinlock screw-down crown
Movement: Rolex calibre 3255 on current Day-Date 36 and Day-Date 40 models
Power Reserve: Approximately 70 hours
Precision: Rolex Superlative Chronometer, -2/+2 seconds per day after casing
Bracelet Options: President bracelet, Oyster bracelet on select models, and leather straps on some discontinued references
Bezel Options: Fluted, smooth, diamond-set, gem-set, or specialty bezels depending on reference
Dial Options: Champagne, black, white, silver, green, olive, chocolate, ice blue, stone dial, diamond dial, Roman numeral, baguette, ombré, and specialty dials depending on availability

Materials

The Rolex Day-Date is made exclusively in precious metals. This is one of the most important details that separates the Day-Date from many other Rolex collections.

Material options may include:

• 18K yellow gold

• 18K white gold

• 18K Everose gold

• Platinum

• Factory diamond-set bezels

• Factory gem-set bezels

• Diamond-marker dials

• Stone dials and rare specialty dials

Yellow gold is the most classic Day-Date look. White gold feels more understated and modern. Everose gold gives the watch warmth and softness. Platinum is the most prestigious and often the most discreet because of its cool silver-tone finish.

Movement

Current Rolex Day-Date 36 and Day-Date 40 models use the Rolex calibre 3255, a self-winding mechanical movement developed and manufactured by Rolex.

Movement highlights include:

• Automatic self-winding mechanical movement

• Approximately 70-hour power reserve

• Chronergy escapement

• Blue Parachrom hairspring

• High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers

• Instantaneous day and date display

• Secure rapid-setting

• Stop-seconds for precise time setting

• Rolex Superlative Chronometer precision

Older Day-Date references used previous-generation movements depending on reference and production year, including calibres such as 3055 and 3155. As with any pre-owned Rolex, movement condition and service history are important when buying.

The President Bracelet

The President bracelet is one of the most iconic Rolex bracelet designs. It was created for the Day-Date and remains closely associated with the model.

The bracelet features semi-circular three-piece links that give the watch a refined, comfortable, and luxurious feel. On yellow gold Day-Date watches, the President bracelet creates one of the most recognizable Rolex looks ever made.

While some Day-Date models have been produced with Oyster bracelets or leather straps, the President bracelet remains the classic choice for this collection.

Day-Date 36 vs. Day-Date 40

The Rolex Day-Date is currently available in 36 mm and 40 mm sizes.

Day-Date 36

The Day-Date 36 is the classic size. It offers traditional proportions, elegant wrist presence, and a more vintage-inspired feel. It is ideal for buyers who want the original President-style look.

Day-Date 40

The Day-Date 40 offers a larger and more modern wrist presence. It is ideal for buyers who want the prestige of the Day-Date with stronger visibility and a contemporary fit.

Both sizes use the calibre 3255 movement in current production models. The best choice depends on wrist size, style preference, and whether the buyer wants classic proportions or a more modern presence.

Day-Date 40 vs. Day-Date II

The Day-Date II was Rolex’s earlier large-format Day-Date and measured 41 mm. It had a bolder and more substantial case profile.

The current Day-Date 40 replaced the Day-Date II with a more refined and balanced design. Many buyers prefer the Day-Date 40 because it offers modern sizing without feeling too oversized, while others still appreciate the Day-Date II for its bold wrist presence.

Popular Rolex Day-Date Dials

The Day-Date is known for its luxurious dial selection. Dial choice can significantly affect the personality and value of the watch.

Popular Day-Date dial options include:

• Champagne dial

• Black dial

• White dial

• Silver dial

• Olive green dial

• Ice blue dial

• Chocolate dial

• Green dial

• Diamond-marker dial

• Baguette diamond dial

• Roman numeral dial

• Stone dial

• Onyx dial

• Meteorite dial

• Mother-of-pearl dial

• Ombré dial

• Pavé diamond dial

• Factory gem-set dial

The champagne dial on yellow gold is one of the most classic Day-Date combinations. The olive green dial is popular on modern Everose and white gold references. The ice blue dial is strongly associated with platinum Rolex watches.

Rolex Day-Date Price

Rolex Day-Date prices vary based on size, reference, metal, dial, bezel, bracelet, condition, year, box, papers, and market demand.

Approximate pre-owned market ranges may include:

• Vintage Day-Date 36 models: $12,000 to $25,000+

• Day-Date 18038 and 18238 models: $15,000 to $35,000+

• Modern Day-Date 36 models: $25,000 to $60,000+

• Day-Date 40 models: $35,000 to $90,000+

• Platinum Day-Date models: $45,000 to $120,000+

• Diamond bezel or gem-set Day-Date models: $50,000 to $200,000+

• Rare stone dial or collectible configurations: Pricing can vary significantly

Prices change based on market demand, condition, and availability. For the most accurate pricing, browse current ECI Jewelers inventory or contact our team directly.

Is the Rolex Day-Date a Good Investment?

The Rolex Day-Date has strong long-term appeal because it is one of Rolex’s most prestigious collections. Its precious metal construction, President bracelet, historic status, and wide variety of collectible dial options make it desirable in the pre-owned market.

Factors that can affect Day-Date value include:

• Reference number

• Case size

• Metal type

• Dial rarity

• Diamond or gem-set details

• Bracelet condition

• Production year

• Box and papers

• Service history

• Discontinued status

• Overall market demand

No watch purchase is guaranteed to increase in value, but certain Day-Date configurations, especially rare dials, platinum models, stone dials, and complete sets, may attract strong collector interest.

Is the Rolex Day-Date Good for Daily Wear?

Yes. The Rolex Day-Date can be worn daily by buyers who enjoy precious metal watches. Modern models offer 100 meters of water resistance, durable Oyster case construction, and reliable automatic movement performance.

That said, because the Day-Date is made from precious metal, it can show wear differently than Oystersteel sports models. Buyers who plan to wear it daily should consider bracelet condition, metal softness, and lifestyle.

Is the Rolex Day-Date a Good First Rolex?

The Day-Date can be an excellent first Rolex for buyers who want a prestigious precious metal watch. However, it is usually more expensive than entry-level Rolex models like the Oyster Perpetual, Datejust, or Explorer.

It is a strong choice for buyers who want:

• A precious metal Rolex

• A classic luxury dress watch

• The President bracelet

• A day and date function

• A watch associated with status and achievement

• A timepiece with long-term collector appeal

For many buyers, the Day-Date is a milestone Rolex rather than a starter Rolex.

Why Buy a Pre-Owned Rolex Day-Date?

Buying a pre-owned Rolex Day-Date gives customers access to a wide selection of references, metals, dials, bracelet styles, and discontinued configurations.

Pre-owned Day-Date watches may include vintage President models, Day-Date II references, modern Day-Date 40 models, platinum examples, diamond dials, stone dials, rare configurations, and complete sets.

At ECI Jewelers, every pre-owned Rolex Day-Date is inspected for authenticity, condition, and quality before being offered for sale.

Expert Opinion

The Rolex Day-Date is one of the most important prestige watches in Rolex history. Its precious metal construction, full day display, date window, President bracelet, and timeless design make it a true symbol of success. Whether chosen in classic yellow gold, understated white gold, warm Everose gold, or platinum, the Day-Date remains one of the strongest luxury dress watches a collector can own

Shop Rolex Day-Date Watches at ECI Jewelers

ECI Jewelers offers a curated selection of authentic Rolex Day-Date watches, including yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold, platinum, President bracelet, diamond dial, Roman numeral dial, stone dial, Day-Date 36, Day-Date 40, vintage, discontinued, and modern references depending on availability.

Whether you are searching for a classic yellow gold President, a modern Day-Date 40, a platinum ice blue dial model, or a rare collector configuration, our team can help you find the right watch.

Browse our Rolex Day-Date collection online or visit our NYC showroom to view select watches in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rolex Day-Date?

The Rolex Day-Date is a prestigious Rolex watch that displays both the date and the day of the week spelled out in full. It is made exclusively in precious metals.

Why is the Rolex Day-Date called the President?

The Day-Date is often called the Rolex President because of its famous President bracelet and its long association with influential figures, executives, and leaders.

What sizes does the Rolex Day-Date come in?

Current Rolex Day-Date models are available in 36 mm and 40 mm sizes.

What movement is inside the current Rolex Day-Date?

Current Rolex Day-Date 36 and Day-Date 40 models use the Rolex calibre 3255 automatic movement.

Is the Rolex Day-Date made in stainless steel?

No. Rolex makes the Day-Date exclusively in precious metals, including 18K yellow gold, 18K white gold, 18K Everose gold, and platinum.

Is the Rolex Day-Date waterproof?

Modern Rolex Day-Date models are water resistant to 100 meters / 330 feet.

What are popular Rolex Day-Date references?

Popular references include 228238, 228239, 228235, 228236, 128238, 128239, 128235, 128236, 118238, 118239, 18238, 18038, 1803, and Day-Date II references such as 218238.

What is the difference between Day-Date 36 and Day-Date 40?

The Day-Date 36 has classic proportions and a more traditional feel. The Day-Date 40 has a larger and more modern wrist presence.

What is the difference between Day-Date 40 and Day-Date II?

The Day-Date II is a discontinued 41 mm version with a bolder case profile. The current Day-Date 40 has a more refined and balanced modern design.

What is the most classic Rolex Day-Date?

The most classic Rolex Day-Date is a 36 mm yellow gold model with a champagne dial, fluted bezel, and President bracelet.

Is the Rolex Day-Date a good daily watch?

Yes. The Day-Date can be worn daily, especially modern models with strong water resistance and reliable movement technology. Because it is made from precious metal, daily wearers should be mindful of scratches and bracelet condition.

Is the Rolex Day-Date a good investment?

The Day-Date has strong collector appeal, especially rare dials, platinum models, stone dials, diamond-set models, and complete sets. Value depends on condition, reference, metal, dial, box, papers, and market demand.

How much does a Rolex Day-Date cost?

Pricing depends on reference, metal, size, dial, bracelet, condition, year, box, papers, and market demand. Pre-owned Day-Date watches can range from vintage yellow gold models to high-value platinum, diamond, and rare dial configurations.

Do your Rolex Day-Date watches come with the original box?

Yes. All Rolex watches sold by ECI Jewelers come with the original Rolex box. If the watch is listed as a complete set, it also includes the original Rolex papers.

Do you offer free insured shipping?

Yes. ECI Jewelers offers free insured shipping on eligible online orders.

Can I finance a Rolex Day-Date?

Yes. Financing options are available for qualified customers at checkout.

Can I sell or trade my Rolex Day-Date?

Yes. ECI Jewelers buys and accepts trades on select Rolex Day-Date watches. Contact our team for a market-based evaluation.