Encyclopedia / Rolex / Day-Date 40
No real new deal right now · checked Oct 19, 2026, 10:19 PM ET
$46,500 – $70,000 pre-owned street range
Ref. 228238 · 60 listings sampled (median ~$60,500)
No new deal: grey-market new prices were at or above retail, so pre-owned is the realistic way to save. Ranges are asking prices (middle 80% of the first results page), fixed-price listings only.
Price comparison: fixed-price listings
| Store | Condition | Box & papers | Asking price | Link | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chrono24 marketplace seller | pre-owned | Yes | $46,495 | View | Oct 20, 2026 |
| Swiss Watch Expo | pre-owned | Yes | $58,095 | View | Oct 20, 2026 |
| Jomashop | new | Yes* | $62,500 | View | Oct 20, 2026 |
Fixed-price (buy-now) asking prices in USD for ref. 228238, cheapest new and cheapest pre-owned with box and papers per store, sorted low to high and checked Oct 20, 2026 (ET). Buy-now listings only. Pre-owned listings are shown only when the listing states box and papers. * New from a grey-market dealer: comes boxed, but the warranty card may be the dealer's rather than the brand's. Chrono24 rows are individual third-party marketplace sellers. Prices change fast; confirm with the store.
What it really costs
| Market | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rolex US retail | $50,400 (ref. M228238-0042) | rolex.com |
| New (grey) at Jomashop | $66,500 | Jomashop |
| Pre-owned (Chrono24 asks) | about $46,500 – $70,000 (median ~$60,500, 60 listings sampled) | Chrono24 |
All prices in USD, checked Oct 19, 2026 (ET). Pre-owned ranges are the middle 80% of asking prices on the first Chrono24 results page for that ref (about 60 listings, used and some unworn), fixed-price listings only. Grey-market = brand-new from a non-authorized dealer.
Buying guide
Key references
| Ref. | What it is | US retail |
|---|---|---|
| 228238 | Day-Date 40 Champagne Dial 18K Yellow Gold President Automatic Men's Watch | $50,400 |
Which one I'd pick
Retail vs street: Rolex lists the white-dial 228238 (m228238-0042) at $50,400. Pre-owned asking prices on Chrono24 mostly sat above that.
What to check before you buy
- Exact reference: dial colour, size and strap change the price. Match the full ref (228238) before comparing deals.
- Fakes and red flags: be wary of prices far below the ranges above, stock photos only, or sellers who won't show the caseback, serial and papers.
Alternatives worth a look
- Rolex Datejust 41: The steel everyday Rolex. (41 mm Oystersteel (126300), Calibre 3235, retail $8,950 (126300-0001); $11,650 (126334-0001, white gold bezel))
- Patek Philippe Nautilus: Ultra-high-end alternative. (41 mm white gold (5811/1G), Calibre 26-330 S C, retail $82,021 (5811/1G-001))
- Rolex 1908: Rolex's gold dress watch. (18 kt yellow gold, retail $28,850 (m52508-0006, per Rolex))
History
Rolex introduced the Day-Date at the Swiss Industries Fair in Basel in 1956. It was the first watch to show both the date and the day of the week spelled in full. Lyndon B. Johnson became the first US president to wear a gold Day-Date.
The current Day-Date 40 in 18 kt yellow gold, ref. 228238, is 40 mm with a fluted bezel and President bracelet, per Rolex.
Specifications
| Brand | Rolex |
|---|---|
| Model | Day-Date 40 |
| Key references | 228238 |
| Launch year | 1956 |
| Case | 40 mm 18kt Yellow Gold |
| Crystal | Scratch Resistant Sapphire |
| Caseback | Solid |
| Bezel | Fixed Fluted |
| Bezel material | 18kt Yellow Gold |
| Dial | Champagne |
| Strap/bracelet | Gold Rolex President |
| Functions | Date, Day, Hour, Minute, Second, Chronometer |
| Movement | Rolex Calibre 3255, automatic |
| Power reserve | About 70 hours |
| Water resistance | 100 m |
| Approx. US retail (Oct 2026) | $50,400 (m228238-0042, per Rolex) |
Specs from the retailer (Jomashop/WatchMaxx) or brand product page linked above for the main reference; see our research notes for which. Retail prices are list prices, not market value, and change often.
Highlights
- 40 mm 18kt Yellow Gold case
- Rolex Calibre 3255
- 100 m water resistance
FAQ
How much is the Rolex Day-Date 40?
Rolex retail is $50,400. Pre-owned asking prices on Chrono24 mostly ran $46,500 – $70,000 (median ~$60,500), checked Oct 19, 2026, 10:19 PM ET.
What movement does the Day-Date 40 use?
The 228238 checked here uses the Rolex Calibre 3255 (automatic) with about 70 hours of power reserve.
How big is the Day-Date 40?
40 mm 18kt Yellow Gold.
Is the Day-Date 40 water resistant?
Yes, it's rated to 100 m.
When did the Rolex Day-Date come out?
Rolex introduced it at the Swiss Industries Fair in Basel in 1956.
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Get the free weekly issuePrices and availability last checked Oct 19, 2026. No affiliate links: I don't earn anything if you buy. Sources are listed in our research notes and linked above.