Day-Date 40

The Rolex Day-Date 40 reference 228238 represents the current generation of Rolex's most prestigious dress watch, presented in 18k yellow gold with a 40 mm case — a modest but meaningful enlargement over its 36 mm predecessor. Introduced in 2015, it carries the hallmarks that have defined the Day-Date line since 1956: the full day of the week displayed at 12 o'clock and the date at 3 o'clock, rendered on a broad, unobstructed dial. Available across a wide palette of dial options — including champagne, green, black, and white — the reference accommodates both conservative and contemporary tastes within a single, enduring architecture.

The Day-Date line has been exclusive to Rolex's precious-metal cases since its debut in 1956, and the 228238 continues that tradition without compromise. The reference was unveiled at Baselworld 2015 as part of a broader refresh that introduced the 40 mm case diameter to the Day-Date family for the first time. Alongside the new proportions, Rolex debuted the in-house Calibre 3255, a movement developed from the ground up and representing one of the most significant advances in the brand's modern movement architecture. The 228238 in yellow gold has since become the definitive expression of the enlarged Day-Date, maintaining its position as the reference point for the line.