The 228238 is the modern flagship of Rolex’s most prestigious everyday watch. It is the Day-Date 40 in yellow gold on the President bracelet: the watch associated with heads of state, business leaders and anyone who wanted the most recognizable Rolex of all. Introduced in 2015, it also brought a new movement that set the template for Rolex’s current generation of calibres.
Because precious-metal Rolex watches usually sell below their list price on the pre-owned market, the 228238 is one of the most compelling ways to buy a gold Rolex.
What are the 228238’s specifications?
| Specification | 228238 |
|---|---|
| Model | Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 |
| Case | 40 mm, 18 ct yellow gold |
| Bezel | Fluted, 18 ct yellow gold |
| Display | Day in full at 12 o’clock, date at 3 o’clock with Cyclops |
| Movement | Calibre 3255, self-winding |
| Power reserve | About 70 hours |
| Water resistance | 100 m |
| Bracelet | President, semicircular three-piece links, concealed Crownclasp |
| Introduced | 2015 |
What does the reference number mean?
2282 identifies the Day-Date 40 family, the 3 the fluted bezel version, and the final 8 means 18 ct yellow gold. The Everose version is the 228235, white gold the 228239 and platinum the 228206. The 36 mm Day-Date of the same generation is the 128238. Our reference numbers guide explains the pattern.
What makes the calibre 3255 important?
The calibre 3255 was the first Rolex movement with the Chronergy escapement, introduced in the Day-Date 40 in 2015. It raised the power reserve to about 70 hours and improved efficiency, and it became the basis for the calibre 3235 and 3230 families now used in the Datejust, Submariner and Oyster Perpetual. It has an instantaneous day and date change at midnight and is certified as a Superlative Chronometer, accurate to within about two seconds per day after casing.
How does the 228238 compare with older Day-Dates?
| 118238 | 218238 | 228238 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 36 mm | 41 mm (“Day-Date II”) | 40 mm |
| Years | 2000–2019 | 2008–2015 | 2015– |
| Movement | 3155 | 3156 | 3255 |
| Power reserve | About 48 h | About 48 h | About 70 h |
| Character | Classic, slim | Broad case and bezel | Balanced, modern |
The 218238, the first larger Day-Date, had a wide bezel and case that many found too heavy-looking. The 228238 slimmed both, which is why it has become the most popular large Day-Date. The 36 mm 118238 remains an excellent, less expensive alternative with more classic proportions; our Day-Date buying guide covers every size.
Which dials are available?
The 228238 has been made with a wide range of dials: champagne, silver, black, white, green and blue sunray dials; baton, Roman and diamond-set markers; and stone and special-finish dials. Champagne is the most traditional pairing with yellow gold. Factory diamond dials add value; aftermarket diamond dials are common on the market and are worth far less. Day wheels come in many languages, with English the easiest to resell in the US.
How does the 228238 wear?
At 40 mm with a thin fluted bezel and slim case, the 228238 wears elegantly despite its size, and suits wrists from about 6.75 inches upward. The weight is the thing you notice: a full gold Day-Date 40 on its President bracelet weighs far more than a steel watch, which owners tend to either love or need a few days to get used to. The concealed Crownclasp makes the bracelet look continuous, and the President links are comfortable once the bracelet is sized properly.
What should you check on a pre-owned 228238?
- President bracelet stretch. Gold bracelets stretch with wear; check the gaps between the links.
- Crownclasp. It should close securely and sit flush, with no gap.
- Fluted bezel. The gold flutes should be sharp; soft or rounded flutes mean polishing.
- Case sides and lugs. Gold shows polishing quickly; crisp edges are valuable.
- Day and date change. Both should switch instantly at midnight.
- Dial originality, especially on diamond dials.
- Card date. Watches from recent years may carry the remainder of the five-year Rolex guarantee.
Why are pre-owned Day-Date prices below retail?
Precious-metal Rolex watches do not face the same allocation shortages as steel sports models, so the pre-owned market reflects normal depreciation from list price. For a buyer, that is an opportunity: a 228238 in excellent condition can cost significantly less than new, while offering the same watch. The gap varies with dial, condition and market conditions. Our explainer on why some pre-owned Rolex cost more than retail explains why steel sports models are the exception.
How much does a pre-owned 228238 cost?
The 228238 sits at the upper end of the Rolex range because of its solid gold case and bracelet. Within the reference, diamond dials, special dials and recent card dates carry premiums; watches with worn bracelets or polished cases are priced lower. Our live table below shows our current asking prices, and every example we have is on our 228238 page. You can also browse the full range of pre-owned Day-Date watches.
Which 228238 dial is the best choice?
For resale and timeless style, champagne and silver dials with baton or Roman markers are the safest choices; they are what most buyers expect from a yellow gold President. Black and green dials give the watch a more contemporary, bolder look. Diamond-set markers add sparkle and value when they are factory Rolex. If you are unsure, see several dials in person or in our listing photos in natural light: gold reflects warmly and changes how every dial color reads.
Is the 228238 a practical everyday watch?
Yes, within reason. It is an Oyster case, water resistant to 100 meters, and far more robust than a typical gold dress watch. Gold is softer than steel, so the bracelet and bezel will collect fine scratches in daily wear; most owners accept that as part of the watch’s character, and a watchmaker can refinish it lightly during a service.
Who is the 228238 for?
Buyers who want the definitive gold Rolex and appreciate weight, presence and tradition, and who will wear it often enough to enjoy it. It is the watch for milestones: a promotion, a retirement, an anniversary. For those who want the look with less weight and cost, a two-tone yellow Rolesor Datejust gives a similar impression; see our guide to steel vs gold Rolex.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the 228238 and 128238?
Size. The 228238 is the 40 mm Day-Date; the 128238 is the 36 mm Day-Date. Both are yellow gold with the calibre 3255 and a President bracelet.
Why is it called the President?
The President bracelet was created for the Day-Date, and the watch became known as the President because of its association with world leaders. The name now refers to both the bracelet and the watch.
Is the 228238 solid gold?
Yes. The case, bezel, crown and President bracelet are 18 ct yellow gold.
How long is the Day-Date 40’s power reserve?
About 70 hours, thanks to the calibre 3255 and its Chronergy escapement.
