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The Rolex Day-Date is also known as the Rolex President because several American Presidents have been known to own or wear the famous watch. It was the first mechanical watch to present both the day and date on its dial, making it a prized collector's item for watch collectors and Rolex aficionados. The Day-Date is famous for its precision, endurance, and refined design, and is closely associated with success and prestige. Today, it is one of the most coveted and iconic luxury watches in the world.
Bob's Watches is a trusted and reputable pre-owned Rolex watch retailer, with decades of experience in the business. They offer a vast inventory of certified authentic used Rolex watches at fair prices, with a commitment to transparency and exceptional customer service. With an experienced team and a thorough authentication process, Bob's Watches is a popular choice for anyone interested in purchasing a genuine and high-quality pre-owned Rolex.
"Great experience. I was offered a good price for my watch and I paid a fair price for the one I purchased. Now I have the day-date I've always wanted."
Review originally published on Trustpilot
"They are definitely a class act. Making a wire transfer saves 3% and they ship with overnight air. I have called and spoken with Melissa, Sandra and Stacy and they were all very pleasant and wanted to make sure my issue was taken care of. My Rolex Day-Date in 18kt gold was graded as Excellent and it was closer to mint as far as I could see. Don't hesitate. If you've been wanting a Rolex, Bob's is the place to go."
Review originally published on Google
"The Rolex Day-Date is more than just a luxury watch. It's a mark of success, class, and timeless elegance. With its iconic design and impressive functionality, it's the ultimate expression of luxury and high style."
- Paul Altieri, Founder & CEO of Bob's Watches
The Rolex Day-Date is famous for its enduring value and is a sound investment by many collectors' standards. Pre-owned Rolex price trends have stayed strong year after year, reflecting the watch's popularity and immense demand. As with every luxury item, prices can change based on market conditions and inventory, but the Rolex Day-Date has steadily held its value long term.
disc. = discontinued
| Model Number | Retail Price | Pre-Owned Prices (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 279178 | disc. | $44,995 |
| 228349 | $59,900 | $88,995 |
| 179159 | disc. | $19,995 |
| 128239 | disc. | $39,995 |
| 128238 | disc. | $99,995 |
| 128235 | disc. | $43,995 |
| 118348 | disc. | $33,495 |
| 118346 | disc. | $39,995 |
| 118239 | disc. | $19,995 |
| 118238 | disc. | $24,995 |
| 118235 | disc. | $28,995 |
| 118209 | disc. | $18,995 |
| 118208 | disc. | $24,495 |
| 118206 | disc. | $33,495 |
| 118205 | disc. | $24,995 |
| 118139 | disc. | $18,495 |
| 118138 | disc. | $15,995 |
| 69179 | disc. | $5,995 |
| 19018 | disc. | $8,595 |
| 18248 | disc. | $19,995 |
| 18239 | disc. | $19,495 |
| 18238 | disc. | $19,495 |
| 18078 | disc. | $18,995 |
| 18039 | disc. | $21,495 |
| 18038 | disc. | $38,995 |
| 1804 | disc. | Call for quote |
| 1803 | disc. | $44,995 |
The Rolex Day-Date is an iconic gold luxury watch, and two of the most recognizable models on the used Rolex market are the 18038 and 18238. The 18038 utilizes the caliber 3055 movement with a single quickset function for the date, while the 18238 has the caliber 3155 movement with a double quickset function for both the date and the day. Other than the updated double quickset, both movements are nearly identical, with the same 48-hour power reserve, Breguet overcoil, and free sprung hairspring.
The Rolex Day-Date is available in a variety of precious metal finishes, including both yellow gold and rose gold, each with its own exceptional qualities. Yellow gold is a traditional choice because it exudes luxury and sophistication, while rose gold, aka "Everose," has a warm and contemporary aesthetic that is ideal for collectors who want a fashion-forward watch. Ultimately, the choice between the two boils down to personal preference and style, with both options featuring outstanding quality and craftsmanship.
The Rolex Day-Date is a watch with provenance and many charming nicknames. The one used the most is the "President," which usually refers to the Day-Date on a yellow gold 3-link bracelet, also known as the “President Bracelet.” Other famous monikers include the "Rolex Presidential" and "Presidente," both of which emphasize the watch's status as a symbol of prestige and influence.
Rolex Day-Date watches are distinguished by their reference model numbers, which are engraved between the lugs on the 12 o'clock side of the case. These model numbers denote the materials used and variations of each watch. Some of the most sought-after Day-Date references are the 1803, 18238, and 228238, each with its own desirable design elements and history.
The Rolex Day-Date has a variety of dial choices, which range from classic and simple to modern designs. Some of the most sought-after dial variations include the traditional champagne, silver, and black options, as well as more fashion-forward alternatives like vibrant green and genuine stone. Additionally, the Day-Date boasts a range of different dial finishes, such as sunburst, guilloche, and shimmering mother-of-pearl, allowing collectors to find the perfect Day-Date for their wrist.
The Rolex Day-Date is powered by the brand's in-house Perpetual movement, which is world renowned for its accuracy, functionality, and dependability. Early Day-Date models, such as the 1803, used the Caliber 1555 movement, and then later the caliber 1566, while the later models, such as the 18238, feature the Caliber 3155 movement. Additionally, the current-production Day-Date is powered by the next-generation caliber 3255 movement. These movements are equipped with upgrades such as a quickset function for the day and date, a Breguet overcoil, and a free-sprung balance for peak performance.
The Rolex Day-Date is available in three sizes: 36mm, 40mm, and 41mm. The 36mm variation is considered a timeless and traditional size, while the 40mm and 41mm sizes are more robust and modern. All three sizes include the same functionality and general design elements, such as the Day-Date’s trademark fluted bezel, day and date displays, and waterproof crowns.
The Rolex Day-Date is produced in a selection of exquisite precious metal finishes, each with its own distinguishing qualities. Materials include yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold, and platinum, all of which are highly sought after for their value and luster. Everose gold is a proprietary blend of gold, copper, and platinum that produces a warm and distinctive rose hue.
Learn more about the collection by visiting our Rolex Day Date buying guide.
The price of a Rolex Day-Date can differ significantly depending on the condition, size, and material of the watch. The cheapest Day-Date models is for a pre-owned 36mm yellow gold Day-Date, while rare and highly coveted models, such as the diamond-encrusted or vintage Day-Dates, can trade hands for a very high price. Ultimately, the cost of a Rolex Day-Date is a testament of its unparalleled quality, craftsmanship, and exclusivity.
Yes, you can buy the Rolex Day-Date through authorized dealers, as well as through pre-owned Rolex markets such as resellers and auction houses. However, because of high demand and limited inventory, it can be challenging to purchase a Day-Date directly from an authorized dealer without a long waiting list or considerable markup. It's important to do your research and to choose a trusted seller to guarantee that the Day-Date is authentic and in good condition.
The Rolex Day-Date is a smart investment in many watch collecting circles due to its enduring style, exceptional quality, and popularity. In particular, rare Day-Date watches can appreciate in value substantially over time, making them excellent investment prospects. However, it's important to consider that the value of a watch is subject to market changes and trends, and there are no guarantees of a return on investment.
The Rolex Day-Date isn't just a watch; it's a stylish dress watch that offers a world of choices. From the materials and the dial's color to its functions and size, every piece tells its own story. Dive into the links below to browse and discover a Day-Date that feels like it was made just for you.