Rolex Day-Date

Rolex Day-Date

Authentic Rolex Day-Date watches, professionally inspected and ready to ship. At ECI Jewelers, our inventory spans current Day-Date 36 and Day-Date 40 references, discontinued Day-Date II models, and vintage pieces across 18K yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold, and platinum — with President, Oyster, and leather strap configurations, and an extensive range of dial options including stone, diamond, and rare specialty dials — depending on availability.

Every watch comes with its original Rolex box. Original papers are included when a watch is listed as a complete set. We offer free insured shipping, financing, trade-ins, watch sourcing, and in-person service at our NYC Diamond District showroom.

About the Rolex Day-Date

The Day-Date was introduced in 1956 as the first wristwatch to display both the date and the full day of the week — not an abbreviation, but the complete word, spelled out in a window at 12 o'clock. It debuted in precious metal only, and it has never been produced in anything else. Every Day-Date Rolex has ever made is yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold, or platinum.

That decision — exclusive to precious metal, from the beginning — is the clearest expression of what the Day-Date represents. It was designed as the apex of the Rolex collection, a watch for people who had achieved something. The President bracelet, created specifically for this model, completed the identity. Together they produced one of the most recognizable watches ever made.

The Day-Date's association with influential figures — heads of state, executives, athletes, cultural figures — is not marketing mythology. It is the accumulated result of decades of people at the top of their fields choosing to wear it. That history is embedded in the watch's value in a way that specifications alone cannot explain.

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

Current References

Day-Date 40

The 40 mm Day-Date offers the prestige of the collection in a modern case size with the calibre 3255 movement. Rolex produces the Day-Date 40 in four metals.

228238 — 18K Yellow Gold — The most traditional Day-Date 40 configuration. Yellow gold case and President bracelet, available with champagne, white, black, green, diamond-marker, Roman numeral, and baguette diamond dials. The reference most closely aligned with the classic Day-Date identity in a modern size.

228239 — 18K White Gold — White gold for buyers who want full precious metal luxury with a more restrained, cooler appearance. Less visually assertive than yellow gold; often chosen by buyers who want the Day-Date's prestige without its most recognizable signals.

228235 — 18K Everose Gold — Rolex's proprietary rose gold, engineered to maintain its color over time. The warmest and most contemporary Day-Date 40 option. Popular with chocolate, sundust, olive green, and warm-toned diamond dials.

228236 — Platinum — The most prestigious current Day-Date configuration. The ice blue dial — exclusive to platinum Rolex references — makes the 228236 immediately identifiable. Platinum is heavier, rarer, and more expensive than gold; the 228236 is the apex of the current Day-Date lineup.

Day-Date 36

The 36 mm Day-Date is the historically grounded size, closest to the original 1956 proportions. It uses the same calibre 3255 movement as the Day-Date 40 in a more traditionally proportioned case.

128238 — 18K Yellow Gold — Classic Day-Date 36 proportions with current movement technology. The reference for buyers who want the traditional President look and feel.

128239 — 18K White Gold — Classic proportions in white gold. The more discreet of the two standard metal options at 36 mm.

128235 — 18K Everose Gold — Everose construction in the classic 36 mm case. Warm tone, modern character, available across a similar dial range to the Day-Date 40 Everose references.

128236 — Platinum — A smaller, more refined platinum Day-Date for buyers who want the material's prestige and the classic case size.

Discontinued References

118238, 118239, 118235, 118206 — Day-Date 36, Previous Generation

The 118-series Day-Date 36 references are the most commonly encountered modern pre-owned Day-Date models. Produced in yellow gold (118238), white gold (118239), Everose/rose gold (118235), and platinum (118206), these references used the previous-generation calibre 3155 movement. They are widely available in the pre-owned market and offer the classic Day-Date look at prices below the current 128-series.

The 118238 yellow gold with champagne, diamond, or Roman numeral dial and President bracelet is one of the most searched pre-owned Day-Date configurations by name.

18238 — Quickset Era Yellow Gold

The 18238 introduced the double quickset feature, allowing independent adjustment of both the day and date. It is a popular bridge between vintage and modern Day-Date references — more convenient than earlier models, more affordable than current production. Typically found in yellow gold with a wide range of dial options accumulated across a long production run.

18038 — Transition Era

The 18038 sits between vintage and modern with a sapphire crystal, quickset date, and yellow gold construction. A frequently recommended entry point into pre-owned Day-Date collecting for buyers who want vintage character with added practicality.

1803 — Vintage Classic

One of the most iconic vintage Day-Date references. The 1803 features an acrylic crystal, pie-pan style dial, and the classic President bracelet look in 18K yellow gold. Produced through the 1970s, it is the reference most closely associated with the Day-Date's golden-era aesthetic. Condition, dial originality, and bracelet integrity are the critical factors when evaluating a 1803.

Day-Date II — 218238, 218239, 218235, 218206

The discontinued 41 mm Day-Date. Larger and bolder than both the 36 mm classic and the current 40 mm format, the Day-Date II has a more assertive presence that some buyers specifically prefer. Available in yellow gold (218238), white gold (218239), Everose gold (218235), and platinum (218206). Pre-owned Day-Date II references are typically priced below the current Day-Date 40 generation.

Movement

Current Day-Date 36 and 40 references use the Rolex calibre 3255 — the same movement powering the current Submariner and GMT-Master II generations — with approximately 70 hours of power reserve, a Chronergy escapement, Parachrom blue hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers, and Superlative Chronometer certification of ±2 seconds per day after casing.

Earlier modern references use the calibre 3155 (118-series) and calibre 3055 (18238 era). Vintage references use earlier calibres including the 1556. All are automatic; all are serviceably reliable with proper maintenance. Movement service history is worth verifying on any pre-owned Day-Date, particularly on older references where service intervals may have been extended.

The President Bracelet

The President bracelet was created for the Day-Date at its 1956 introduction and has never been offered on a stainless steel Rolex. Its semi-circular three-piece links give the bracelet a distinctive rounded profile that is softer and more fluid than the Jubilee or Oyster constructions. It is produced only in precious metal — yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold, or platinum — and its condition is one of the most important factors when evaluating a pre-owned Day-Date.

Bracelet stretch, clasp wear, and link integrity are worth examining carefully. Replacement President bracelets are available from Rolex but add significantly to the cost of ownership. A complete, unmodified, well-preserved original bracelet is a meaningful value indicator on any Day-Date.

Dials

The Day-Date's dial range is the widest and most varied in the Rolex catalog. Beyond the standard metal-finished options, Rolex has produced Day-Date dials in virtually every stone, mineral, and decorative material imaginable across the model's production history.

Champagne on yellow gold — The archetypal Day-Date combination. Immediately recognizable, historically grounded, and consistently in demand.

Ice blue on platinum — The exclusive platinum dial color. Soft, pale, and immediately identifiable as belonging to a platinum Rolex. The current 228236 and 128236 are strongly associated with this dial.

Olive green — A popular modern option on Everose and white gold references. Contemporary without being trendy.

Stone dials — Rolex has used onyx, turquoise, coral, meteorite, malachite, jade, tiger's eye, and many other natural stones as dial materials across Day-Date history. These dials are among the most collectible configurations the watch has ever been produced in. Condition and originality are critical; stone dials cannot be restored, so dial condition is permanent.

Baguette diamond — The most jewel-intensive standard configuration, with baguette-cut diamonds replacing the hour markers. Often paired with a diamond bezel for a fully gem-set presentation.

Roman numeral — A dressier alternative to baton markers that reinforces the Day-Date's formal identity.

Meteorite — Produced from actual Widmanstätten-pattern iron meteorite. Each dial is unique. Among the most distinctive and conversation-starting Day-Date configurations available.

Sizes

Day-Date 36 — The original size and the most historically grounded configuration. More traditional in proportion, closer to the vintage models, and a natural choice for buyers who want the classic President look.

Day-Date 40 — The modern size, introduced to replace the Day-Date II. At 40 mm it reads more contemporary on the wrist without crossing into sport-watch territory. The right choice for buyers who prefer a larger case or find the 36 slightly conservative.

Day-Date II (discontinued) — The 41 mm format, bolder and heavier than both current sizes. Available only pre-owned; preferred by buyers who specifically like the Day-Date II's stronger physical presence.

Pricing

Pre-owned Day-Date prices vary significantly based on size, reference, metal, dial, bezel, bracelet condition, and whether the watch comes with original box and papers.

Approximate pre-owned ranges:

• Vintage references (1803, 18038): $12,000–$25,000+
• Quickset era (18238): $15,000–$35,000+
• Modern Day-Date 36 (118- and 128-series): $25,000–$60,000+
• Day-Date 40 (228-series): $35,000–$90,000+
• Platinum references: $45,000–$120,000+
• Diamond bezel and gem-set references: $50,000–$200,000+
• Stone dial and rare specialty configurations: pricing varies significantly

Live inventory and pricing change as watches sell and new pieces arrive.

Buying Guide

Is the Day-Date ever made in stainless steel?

No. The Day-Date has been produced exclusively in precious metals — yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold, and platinum — since its 1956 introduction. This exclusivity is a deliberate and enduring design decision.

Day-Date 36 vs. Day-Date 40

The 36 is traditional; the 40 is modern. Both use the calibre 3255 in current production. The 36 suits buyers who want the original Day-Date proportions and a more vintage-aligned aesthetic. The 40 suits buyers who prefer a larger case and a more contemporary fit. Neither is more prestigious than the other.

Day-Date 40 vs. Day-Date II

The Day-Date II is 41 mm with a heavier, more aggressive case. The current Day-Date 40 is more refined at 40 mm with updated movement technology. The Day-Date II is available only pre-owned and typically at lower prices. Buyers who specifically like the bolder Day-Date II feel should seek 218-series references.

What to verify on a pre-owned Day-Date

Reference and serial number, metal purity markings, dial originality and condition (especially stone dials, which cannot be replaced), bezel condition, President bracelet stretch and clasp integrity, case polishing history, and whether the watch comes with original box and papers. Complete sets are particularly important at Day-Date price levels.

Is the Day-Date a good daily watch?

Modern Day-Date references are water resistant to 100 meters and mechanically robust. The relevant consideration for daily wear is the precious metal case and bracelet: gold and platinum show wear differently than Oystersteel, and the President bracelet's links can develop stretch with extended daily wear. Many owners wear their Day-Date daily without issue; others alternate it with a sport watch. It is a matter of how carefully the buyer wants to maintain the watch's condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Day-Date called the Rolex President?
The Day-Date is called the "Rolex President" because of its President bracelet and its long association with prominent figures including heads of state, executives, and cultural leaders. The President bracelet was created specifically for the Day-Date and has never been offered on a stainless steel Rolex.

Is the Day-Date ever made in stainless steel?
No. The Day-Date is produced exclusively in 18K yellow gold, 18K white gold, 18K Everose gold, and platinum.

What is the calibre 3255?
The calibre 3255 is Rolex's current Day-Date movement, with approximately 70 hours of power reserve, a Chronergy escapement, and Superlative Chronometer certification. It replaced the calibre 3155 used in 118-series references.

What is the ice blue dial?
The ice blue dial is produced exclusively for platinum Rolex references. It is a soft, pale blue tone that immediately identifies the watch as platinum. It appears on the 228236 (Day-Date 40 platinum) and 128236 (Day-Date 36 platinum).

What are stone dials?
Stone dials are Day-Date dials produced from natural materials including onyx, meteorite, malachite, turquoise, coral, tiger's eye, and many others. They are among the most collectible Day-Date configurations and cannot be restored if damaged — condition is permanent.

Do your Day-Date watches come with the original box?
Yes. Every Rolex Day-Date sold by ECI Jewelers includes the original Rolex box. Original papers are included when the watch is listed as a complete set.

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 is available through Affirm, Synchrony, and Acima for qualified buyers.

Can I sell or trade my Rolex Day-Date?
Yes. ECI Jewelers buys and accepts trades on select Day-Date watches. Evaluations consider reference, metal, dial, bracelet condition, box and papers, and current market demand.