Rolex President Day-Date 40 Yellow Gold Diamond 228238
Certified pre-owned Rolex Day-Date 40 ref. 228238 in 18K yellow gold with black baguette diamond dial, President bracelet, box and card.
$58,595
ROLEX DAY-DATE
The Rolex Day-Date, launched in 1956, was the first wristwatch to spell out the day of the week in full at 12 o'clock alongside the date window. Known as the President, it is crafted exclusively in 18K gold or 950 platinum.
Model History & Buyer Guide
Day-Date: The President in Precious Metal Only
Why There Is No Steel Day-Date
The Day-Date arrived in 1956 as the first wristwatch to spell the day of the week in full across an arc at twelve, with the date at three under a Cyclops lens. Since launch Rolex has produced it exclusively in precious metal — 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold, and platinum. No steel or two-tone Day-Date has ever left the factory.
That single fact is the most useful authentication check on the model. A Day-Date presented as steel, or as Rolesor with a steel bracelet, is either a re-cased watch, a re-dialled other reference, or a counterfeit. Metal should be confirmed by hallmark and weight, not by colour.
36 mm, 40 mm, and the Movement Generations
The modern line splits into a 40 mm case (2285xx references, calibre 3255) and a 36 mm case (1282xx references, calibre 3235). Both deliver roughly 70 hours of power reserve and carry the Superlative Chronometer rating. The preceding 118xxx and 218xxx families used calibre 3155 and have a visibly different case profile.
Bezel and bracelet are where price separates most sharply. The fluted bezel and President bracelet are the archetype, but smooth and gem-set bezels, Oyster and Jubilee bracelets, and a wide catalogue of dials — including stone, meteorite and diamond-set — all exist within the same reference families.
Rolex Day-Date Price Guide
Indicative secondary-market ranges in US dollars, researched from current market estimates and live dealer listings and updated August 2026. These are not fixed valuations: condition, originality, production year, service history, and completeness can move an individual watch outside the range.
| Reference | Configuration | Typical Pre-Owned Price | Market Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 228238 | 40 mm 18 ct yellow gold, fluted bezel, President | $38,000 — $52,000 | Dial choice moves this range more than year does |
| 228206 | 40 mm platinum, smooth bezel, ice-blue dial | $62,000 — $95,000+ | Diamond and stone dials sit well above the base range |
| 128238 | 36 mm 18 ct yellow gold, current generation | $32,000 — $45,000 | The 36 mm case suits smaller wrists and trades separately |
| 118238 | Discontinued 36 mm yellow gold, calibre 3155 | $24,000 — $34,000 | Case sharpness and bracelet stretch drive the spread |
| 228235 | 40 mm Everose gold, fluted bezel | $42,000 — $58,000 | Everose demand varies more by region than other metals |
Understanding Day-Date
The Day-Date's price is set by metal, bezel, dial and bracelet in combination — the day and date complication itself is common to every reference.
| Feature | Function | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Day aperture | Spells the weekday in full at twelve o'clock | Available in a long list of languages; an unusual language disc affects value |
| President bracelet | Semi-circular three-piece links with concealed Crownclasp | Made only in precious metal and costly to replace or re-link |
| Calibre 3255 | Current self-winding movement, about 70 hours reserve | Separates 2285xx watches from the earlier calibre 3155 generation |
| Precious metal only | 18 ct gold or platinum case and bracelet | The single most reliable authentication check on the model |
Reference-Level Buying Checklist
Use the exact reference—not the family name alone—to verify the following points before purchase.
| Check | What to Verify | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Metal and hallmarks | Case, bracelet and clasp hallmarks plus total weight | No steel Day-Date exists; a light or unmarked example is a red flag |
| Dial originality | Factory dial, correct printing, and any gem-setting | Aftermarket diamond dials and bezels are widespread and reduce value |
| Bracelet condition | Stretch between links, clasp code, and link count | A worn precious-metal bracelet is among the most expensive parts to put right |
| Day disc language | Language matches what the listing claims | Discs are swappable, and rare languages are sometimes overstated |
Frequently Asked Questions
About Day-Date
Is there a stainless steel Day-Date?
No. Rolex has only ever made the Day-Date in 18 ct gold or platinum. Any steel or two-tone example is not a factory watch.
Why is it called the President?
The name belongs to the bracelet Rolex introduced with the model in 1956. Long association with heads of state made 'President' informal shorthand for the watch itself, but it is not an official model name.
Should I choose 36 mm or 40 mm?
Neither is a successor to the other — both are current. The decision is lug-to-lug fit and wrist presence, and the two sizes trade at different levels, so try before comparing prices.
NYC Diamond District
Looking for a Specific Day-Date Reference?
Our specialists can compare references, movements, condition, service history, and set completeness. Contact Atlas Luxury for current Day-Date availability or help sourcing a particular configuration.