The Rolex Day-Date is the watch Rolex has only ever made in precious metal. No steel version exists and none ever has, which is why it is the reference most associated with the phrase "Rolex President". This guide explains the Day-Date 40 and Day-Date 36, what each gold and platinum option changes, which dials and bezels matter, and what to check before you buy a Rolex Day-Date pre-owned.
What the Day-Date is, in one paragraph
Introduced in 1956, the Day-Date was the first wristwatch to show the day of the week spelled out in full, in a window at 12 o'clock, alongside the date at 3 o'clock. It has only ever been cased in 18ct gold or platinum, and it was launched with the President bracelet: the semi-circular three-piece link design that has been paired with it ever since. The nickname "President" comes from that bracelet and from the watch's long association with heads of state, not from any official Rolex model name.
Day-Date 40 or Day-Date 36?
This is the first decision, and it is about fit rather than generation. Both are current models.
- Day-Date 40 is the modern size, introduced in 2015 and running calibre 3255. It replaced the 41mm Day-Date II. On most wrists it wears like a classic dress-sports watch: substantial, but with a slim bezel that keeps it from looking oversized.
- Day-Date 36 is the original size, and the one most vintage Day-Dates share. Current 36mm references also use calibre 3255. It suits smaller wrists and anyone who wants the watch to sit under a shirt cuff.
If you are unsure, try both. The difference between 36mm and 40mm on a gold President bracelet is more pronounced than the numbers suggest, because gold is heavy and a larger case carries more bracelet.
The metals: yellow, Everose, white gold and platinum
With the Day-Date, the metal is the watch. The last digit of the reference tells you which one you are looking at.
Yellow gold (228238)
The Day-Date 40 228238 in yellow gold is the classic President, and the one most people picture. The fluted bezel and yellow-gold bracelet are the traditional combination. Our listing is a 2021 example with box and papers.
Everose gold (228235)
Rolex's proprietary rose gold, which is formulated to hold its colour. The Day-Date 40 228235 reads warmer and slightly less formal than yellow gold, and suits brown and olive dials particularly well.
White gold (228239)
From a distance a white-gold Day-Date looks like steel, and that is exactly the appeal for buyers who want the watch without the announcement. The weight on the wrist gives it away. See the Day-Date 40 228239.
Platinum (228236)
The platinum Day-Date 40 228236 is the top of the regular range. Ours pairs the ice-blue dial Rolex reserves for its platinum watches with baguette-cut diamond hour markers and a fluted platinum bezel.
Bezels and gem-set references
Three bezel types cover almost every Day-Date you will see:
- Fluted — the traditional finish on gold models.
- Domed — smooth and polished, a quieter alternative to the fluted finish.
- Gem-set — the RBR suffix indicates a factory diamond-set bezel, and TBR indicates baguette-cut diamonds. The 228345RBR in Everose and the 228396TBR in platinum are two examples.
With any gem-set Rolex, confirm the setting is original to the watch. Aftermarket diamonds are common on older Day-Dates and are not something Rolex recognises; paperwork that matches the full reference, including the suffix, is how you tell.
Dials: where the Day-Date gets personal
No other Rolex offers as many dial options, and the dial is usually what decides between two otherwise identical watches. Roman numerals, baton indices, diamond-set hours, stone dials such as onyx or aventurine, and colours ranging from champagne and silver to green, olive and ice blue have all appeared on the current generation. There is no "correct" dial, but it is worth knowing that the combination you want may only exist in one metal. If you have a specific dial in mind, tell us and we will check which references carry it.
How much is a Rolex Day-Date?
As an indicative guide from the pre-owned market in September 2026, a Day-Date 40 in yellow, white or Everose gold with a standard bezel sits broadly between £30,000 and £50,000, depending on metal, dial and age. Platinum and gem-set references start well above that, and some of the rarer configurations are priced on application. Every listing in our Rolex collection carries its exact price, and that is the figure to rely on.
Earlier-generation and vintage Day-Date 36 models are generally a more accessible way into a gold President. They come up less often, so if a 36mm is what you want, our watch sourcing team can look for one.
How to set a Rolex Day-Date
On current Day-Date models the crown screws down onto the case, so the first step is always to unscrew it. In the first pulled-out position you can quick-set the date and the day; in the second you set the time. Most Day-Dates let you choose the language of the day disc when new, and pre-owned examples are usually supplied with English. On older vintage Day-Dates, it is commonly advised not to quick-set the day or date while the change mechanism is engaged, roughly between 9pm and 3am, so move the time out of that window first. Always screw the crown back down fully before the watch goes near water.
What to check before you buy a Rolex Day-Date
- Bracelet stretch. The President bracelet is gold, and gold wears. Hold the watch by the case and look at how far the bracelet sags; noticeable stretch means worn pins and links.
- Clasp. Current models use the concealed Crownclasp. It should close firmly and sit flush.
- Day and date change. Both should change cleanly around midnight. Set the watch through a full day to check.
- Polishing. Gold polishes away more quickly than steel. Look for soft, rounded case edges and a fluted bezel with worn ridges.
- Papers and reference match. The warranty card should match the case serial and the full reference, including any RBR or TBR suffix.
Every Day-Date we offer is authenticated and inspected first. The Oakbury Assurance explains what is covered.
Day-Date or Datejust?
The Datejust shares the Day-Date's silhouette and is available in steel and two-tone, so it is the natural comparison. The differences are the day window, the President bracelet and the metal: the Day-Date is always precious metal, and that is the premium you are paying for. If the day display does not matter to you and you want steel, a Datejust is the better choice: the Datejust 41 126334 and Datejust 36 126233 are good places to compare. If you want a gold Rolex that is unmistakably a Rolex, the Day-Date is the one.
Where to buy a Rolex Day-Date in the UK
A gold watch is worth seeing in person before you commit, because metal colour looks different on screen than on the wrist. Oakbury's showrooms in Lichfield, London, Brighton and Liverpool are by appointment, so you can compare metals side by side.
Browse the current Rolex Day-Date stock in our collection. If the metal, dial or bezel you want is not listed, our watch sourcing service can find it. If you have a watch to put towards it, see sell or part-exchange.
Considering a gold sports watch instead? Our Rolex Daytona buying guide covers the gold and platinum Daytonas.