The Rolex Day-Date, also known as the President, is one of the brand’s signature timepieces. The traditional Day-Date measures 36mm while Rolex has also released larger versions in 40mm and 41mm. Now, the Day-Date 40 is the latest iteration of the Rolex President having made its debut at Baselworld 2015. It is in fact, the replacement of the 41mm Day-Date II. So, for this week’s Bob’s Spotlight, we pulled the Day-Date 40 ref. 228238 from our inventory for a closer look. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this beauty.
The Precious Materials of the Day-Date 40
As always, this Rolex President is exclusively available in precious materials including three shades of gold and platinum. From its 40mm Oyster case to its President bracelet to its fluted bezel, this particular Day-Date 40 is made almost entirely in 18k yellow gold. It’s worth noting for those who don’t already know, that Rolex produces their own gold at their in-house foundry. Talk about quality control!
The Oyster case is outfitted with a Twinlock winding crown and fluted caseback to achieve its water resistance of 330 feet (100 meters). Furthermore, also keeping the water out and protecting the face of the watch is scratch resistant sapphire crystal.
One of the improvements the Day-Date 40 collection brought about was the inclusion of ceramic inserts in the bracelet links to avoid the “stretching” of the bracelet over time. Also, Rolex redesigned the President bracelet to be more integrated into the case—a sharper look indeed. Perfect for the everyday luxury watch.
The Diamond Dial
To enhance the lavishnesses of the Rolex President ref. 228238, this particular version sports a diamond dial. Ten baguette-cut diamonds serve as hour markers on the black dial while the remaining space is left for the iconic pair of day and date window. The date aperture sits under the Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock and the day window is at 12 o’clock, framed by two diamonds.
Although the President ref. 228238 we have here has a black dial with diamonds, there are plenty of dial options on the yellow gold Day-Date 40. This also includes the new laser‑etched motifs available exclusively to the Day-Date 40 models.
The Caliber 3255
Speak to any watch geek and they’ll tell you the biggest appeal of the new Day-Date 40 is not the gorgeous new look, but rather, the new Rolex Caliber 3255 within. Like all modern Rolex calibers, the new 3255 automatic movement is built entirely in-house. Labeled as a new-generation movement by Rolex, the 3255 not only boasts a rehauling of almost 90% of its parts but also 14 patents. As a result, the newest version of the President is more precise and more reliable. Moreover, the movement is also more resistant to shocks and magnetism. Plus, the accuracy rating is now -2 / +2 seconds per day—significantly better than the -4 / +6 seconds per day standard set out by COSC.
While these claims may be hard to notice as a wearer, what is very apparent is the new power reserve. The Day-Date40 offers a power reserve of around 70 hours, up from the previous 50. A practical improvement anyone can appreciate.
The Day-Date 40 is a contemporary approach to Rolex’s quintessential luxury dress watch. It is the President for the modern man. And the combination of the 18k yellow gold, the black dial, and the precious diamonds on the Day-Date ref. 228238 is a striking one. Although it’s currently in our hands, we know it won’t be long until this Rolex President finds a new residence.
