Rolex Day-Date 228238

Buying Advice

About the Rolex Day-Date 228238

The Rolex Day-Date 228238 is the flagship 40mm Day-Date in full 18k yellow gold, the watch most commonly known as the "Rolex President." At WatchGuys, we carry pre-owned and unworn examples across a wide range of dial configurations. The 228238 features a 40mm solid 18k yellow gold case, a fluted 18k yellow gold bezel, the iconic President bracelet with semi-circular three-piece links and a concealed Crownclasp, and is powered by the Caliber 3255 movement with a 70-hour power reserve. The Day-Date is the only Rolex that displays both the day of the week (spelled out in full at 12 o'clock, available in 26 languages) and the date at 3 o'clock. Produced exclusively in precious metals since its introduction in 1956, the Day-Date has been worn by world leaders, executives, and cultural figures for nearly seven decades. Within the broader Rolex Day-Date collection, the 228238 in yellow gold is the most iconic and historically significant configuration.

Rolex Day-Date 228238 Dial Options

The 228238 offers an exceptionally wide dial selection. Classic options include champagne, silver, white, and black dials with either stick baton indexes or Roman numeral hour markers. The green dial with Roman numerals, often called the "Money" dial, is one of the most sought-after configurations and commands a significant premium on the secondary market. Diamond options include dials with diamond baguette hour markers in black, champagne, and other colorways, as well as factory-set pave diamond dials for a full high-jewelry expression. The Day-Date's day display at 12 o'clock and date at 3 o'clock (magnified by a Cyclops lens) remain defining features across all dial variants. All hour markers and hands on the 228238 are crafted from 18k yellow gold with Chromalight luminescent fill.

Rolex Day-Date 228238 Price

Pre-owned Rolex Day-Date 228238 prices generally range from $42,000 to $60,000 for standard dial configurations, depending on the specific dial, condition, and completeness. The green "Money" dial consistently commands the highest premiums within non-diamond variants. Diamond baguette and pave dial configurations can push prices well above $60,000. The 228238 has appreciated approximately 30% over the past five years, outperforming both the broader Rolex market and the Day-Date collection average. As a full gold Rolex, it benefits from the underlying precious metal value as a natural price floor. For buyers considering other gold types, the Rolex Everose gold Day-Date 228235 is also available. Browse all Rolex watches for the full selection.

Why the Day-Date Is Called the "President"

The Rolex Day-Date earned its "President" nickname due to its long association with heads of state and influential leaders. The President bracelet, which is exclusive to the Day-Date (and the Datejust Pearlmaster), was introduced alongside the original Day-Date in 1956 and features a distinctive semi-circular three-piece link design that delivers exceptional comfort and a refined profile on the wrist. On the 228238, the President bracelet is crafted entirely from 18k yellow gold and secured by a concealed Crownclasp that sits flush with the bracelet for a seamless look. The Day-Date remains the only Rolex that is never produced in stainless steel, reinforcing its position at the top of the collection hierarchy. Every Day-Date ever made has been crafted in gold or platinum.

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Why Buy a Rolex Day-Date 228238 From WatchGuys

When you shop for a pre-owned Rolex Day-Date 228238 for sale at WatchGuys, you get more than a watch. Every piece is authenticated by our in-house watchmakers and backed by a comprehensive set of buyer protections.

Common Questions

Rolex Day-Date 228238 FAQ

• What Is the Rolex Day-Date 228238?

  The Rolex Day-Date 228238 is a 40mm dress watch crafted entirely from 18k yellow gold, commonly known as the "Rolex President." It features a fluted 18k yellow gold bezel, the iconic President bracelet with a concealed Crownclasp, and displays both the day of the week (spelled out in full at 12 o'clock) and the date at 3 o'clock. The watch is powered by the Caliber 3255 self-winding movement with a 70-hour power reserve and Superlative Chronometer certification. Water resistant to 100 meters. The Day-Date is produced exclusively in precious metals and is never available in stainless steel.

• How Much Does a Rolex Day-Date 228238 Cost?

  Pre-owned Rolex Day-Date 228238 prices generally range from $42,000 to $60,000 for standard dial configurations, depending on the specific dial, condition, and completeness of box and papers. The green "Money" dial with Roman numerals commands the highest premiums among non-diamond variants. Diamond baguette and pave dial configurations can exceed $60,000. The 228238 has appreciated approximately 30% over the past five years, making it one of the stronger performers in the Rolex Day-Date collection.

• What Dial Options Does the Rolex Day-Date 228238 Come In?

  The Rolex Day-Date 228238 offers an exceptionally wide dial selection. Standard options include champagne, silver, white, black, and green dials with stick baton indexes or Roman numeral hour markers. The green dial with Roman numerals (known as the "Money" dial) is one of the most sought-after configurations. Diamond variants include dials with baguette diamond hour markers and full pave diamond surfaces. Specialty dials such as the green ombre and black onyx with diamond baguettes are also available. All hour markers and hands are crafted from 18k yellow gold with Chromalight luminescent material.

• Why Is the Rolex Day-Date Called the "President"?

  The Rolex Day-Date earned its "President" nickname due to its long association with world leaders and heads of state. The President bracelet, which debuted alongside the original Day-Date in 1956, features a distinctive semi-circular three-piece link design that is exclusive to the Day-Date and the Pearlmaster. The bracelet's name and the watch's prestigious reputation among influential figures led to the Day-Date being widely referred to as the "Rolex President." On the 228238, the President bracelet is crafted entirely from 18k yellow gold with a concealed Crownclasp. The Day-Date has never been produced in stainless steel, reinforcing its position as Rolex's most exclusive collection.

• What Is the Difference Between the Rolex Day-Date 228238 and 228235?

  Both the 228238 and 228235 are Day-Date 40 models with identical 40mm cases, Caliber 3255 movements, fluted bezels, and President bracelets. The difference is the gold type. The 228238 is crafted from 18k yellow gold, the most classic and historically significant Day-Date configuration. The 228235 uses 18k Everose gold, Rolex's proprietary rose gold alloy, which provides a warmer, more contemporary pink tone. Dial options differ to complement each metal. Yellow gold pairs naturally with champagne, green, and silver dials, while Everose gold offers chocolate, sundust, and olive green options. Both references hold strong value on the secondary market.

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