Rolex Day-Date Guide: Every Reference and Price

What Makes the Day-Date Special

Introduced in 1956, the Rolex Day-Date was the first wristwatch to display both the day of the week spelled out in full and the date in a single window. That innovation alone would have earned it a place in horological history. But Rolex went further: the Day-Date was released exclusively in 18k gold or platinum, fitted with a new semi-circular three-piece link bracelet that would become known as the President bracelet after Rolex presented one to U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

More than six decades later, the formula has not changed. The Day-Date remains the only Rolex that has never been offered in stainless steel. Every single reference — from the original 6511 to the current 228238 — has been produced exclusively in precious metal. This is not a marketing decision that could be reversed next year; it is the defining characteristic of the model. When you see a Day-Date on someone’s wrist, you know without checking that it is solid gold or platinum.

The day display is another distinguishing feature. While the Datejust shows only the date, the Day-Date spells out the full day name — MONDAY, TUESDAY, and so on — through a window at 12 o’clock. Rolex offers the day wheel in 26 languages. Combined with the date at 3 o’clock and the signature Cyclops magnifying lens, the dial carries more information than any other Rolex dress watch.

The Day-Date’s reputation as “The President’s Watch” extends well beyond Eisenhower. It has been worn by Lyndon B. Johnson, Warren Buffett, and dozens of world leaders, entertainers and business figures. That association is not manufactured — it reflects the watch’s position at the top of the Rolex hierarchy, above even the Submariner and Daytona in terms of material value and dressy presence.

Current Day-Date References and Prices

Rolex currently produces the Day-Date in two case sizes — 36mm and 40mm — across three gold alloys and platinum. Every current reference runs the Caliber 3255, which delivers a 70-hour power reserve and Rolex’s Superlative Chronometer certification of ±2 seconds per day. The Chronergy escapement and Parachrom hairspring make it one of the most accurate mechanical movements in production.

The table below covers the core references with indicative 2026 retail pricing. Exotic dials, gem-set bezels, and special-order configurations can push prices significantly higher. Platinum is exclusive to the 40mm case.

Prices are indicative editorial figures based on publicly visible listings in mid-2026. Asking prices are not completed-sale prices. Confirm the exact reference, dial, condition and current quote before buying.

Day-Date 36 vs Day-Date 40: Which Size to Choose

The Day-Date 36 is the traditional size — the one worn by Eisenhower, Johnson and every vintage reference from 1956 through 2008. For most of the watch’s history, 36mm was considered a standard men’s size, and on the wrist it still looks refined and proportionate. If you have a wrist circumference under 17cm (6.7 inches), the 36mm will sit more elegantly than the 40mm, and many collectors prefer its classic presence regardless of wrist size.

The Day-Date 40 (originally the Day-Date II at 41mm, downsized to 40mm in 2015) suits modern sizing preferences. It wears larger than a 40mm Oyster Perpetual because the gold case and President bracelet add visual weight. The 40mm also opens up the platinum option — the 228206 with its exclusive ice blue dial is only available in this size.

From a mechanical standpoint, both sizes are identical. The Caliber 3255 fits both cases, delivering the same 70-hour power reserve and ±2 sec/day accuracy. The price gap is meaningful, though: the 40mm yellow gold (228238) starts roughly $4,300 above the 36mm equivalent (128238). That premium reflects the additional gold content — a larger case and broader bracelet links mean more 18k material.

The practical advice: try both on. A Day-Date in solid gold sits differently from a steel sports watch of the same diameter. The weight of precious metal changes how the watch falls on the wrist, and the President bracelet’s slim profile gives a different drape than an Oyster or Jubilee. Most authorised dealers keep both sizes in stock for comparison.

Pre-Owned Day-Date Pricing by Era

One of the Day-Date’s overlooked advantages is accessibility on the pre-owned market. While a new 228238 costs $48,000, a vintage Day-Date with genuine Rolex provenance can be had for well under $15,000. The gold content provides a natural price floor — roughly 114 grams of 18k gold in a fully-linked President bracelet model — but older references trade at surprisingly approachable levels given what you’re getting: a solid gold Rolex with the same day-and-date complication as a current model.

Ref. 1803 (1959–1977): $8,500–$12,000

The 1803 is the classic acrylic-crystal Day-Date with a pie-pan dial and Caliber 1555 or 1556 movement. It wears true to its 36mm size and sits remarkably thin on the wrist. The acrylic crystal and older-style President bracelet give it a warmth that modern references can’t replicate. Watch for stretched bracelet links and refinished dials — a clean, original-dial 1803 commands a premium. At $8,500–$12,000 for a yellow gold example, this is the most affordable route into Day-Date ownership and one of the best-value vintage Rolex purchases available.

Ref. 18238 (1988–2000): $16,000–$22,000

The double-quick-set era. The 18238 introduced a sapphire crystal and the Caliber 3155 with independent hour-hand adjustment, making time-zone changes practical. Build quality took a meaningful step forward with heavier case construction and improved bracelet tolerances. This generation also saw some of the most collectible Day-Date dials ever produced, including wood, stone and meteorite options. Expect to pay $16,000–$22,000 for a yellow gold 18238 in good condition with box and papers.

Ref. 118238 (2000–2015): $22,000–$28,000

Rolex’s “super case” generation. The 118238 retained the 36mm diameter but thickened the case and lugs, giving the watch a more substantial modern feel. It runs the Caliber 3155, the same movement as the outgoing 18238 but with a Paraflex shock absorber. The heavy solid end-links on the President bracelet eliminate any rattle. The 118238 hits a sweet spot for buyers who want modern build quality without paying current retail — at $22,000–$28,000, it’s a well-finished watch with plenty of life remaining before a major service is needed.

Ref. 228238 (2015–present): $38,000–$48,000

The current 40mm Day-Date with Caliber 3255. Pre-owned examples from 2015–2023 trade at $38,000–$48,000 depending on dial configuration, condition, and whether box and papers are included. The most popular configuration — champagne dial with fluted bezel on President bracelet — typically sits near the middle of that range. The platinum 228206 commands $60,000–$90,000 or more on the secondary market, with the ice blue dial versions reaching the upper end. If you can source a gently used 228238 for $38,000–$40,000, you’re getting current-generation build quality at a meaningful discount to the $48,000 retail price. Always authenticate before buying pre-owned.

The Most Iconic Day-Date Dials

No other Rolex model offers the dial variety of the Day-Date. Over six decades, Rolex has fitted the Day-Date with lacquer, sunburst, stone, wood, meteorite, mother-of-pearl, and gem-set dials in dozens of colour combinations. A handful have become genuinely iconic.

Day-Date Alternatives: Tudor Prince Date-Day

If the Day-Date’s precious-metal pricing puts it out of reach, Tudor — Rolex’s sister brand — has historically offered a more affordable day-date complication. The Tudor Prince Date-Day (also sold as the Prince Oysterdate) featured a similar day-of-week window at 12 o’clock and a date window at 3, housed in a stainless steel case on a bracelet that echoed the President’s semi-circular link design.

Tudor discontinued the Prince Date-Day line, and current Tudor models do not include a day-date complication. However, vintage Tudor Prince Date-Day references trade between $800 and $2,500 on the secondary market, depending on condition and dial variant. They offer the day-date functionality in a robust package at a fraction of the Rolex Day-Date’s cost.

The trade-offs are clear: Tudor cases are stainless steel rather than precious metal, the movements lack Rolex’s in-house caliber refinement, and the finishing is a step below. But if you want the day-and-date complication with Rolex-family DNA and you’re working with a budget under $3,000, a vintage Tudor Prince Date-Day is worth considering.

Beyond Tudor, other alternatives in the day-date complication space include the Omega Day-Date (part of the Seamaster and De Ville lines), the Grand Seiko SBGT241, and the Longines Master Collection Day-Date. None carry the Day-Date’s precious-metal exclusivity or “President” cachet, but they offer the same functionality at accessible price points. For a broader view of watches that retain value over time, see our dedicated guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Articles