Rolex Day-Date

History of the Rolex Day-Date

The Rolex Day-Date made history when it was introduced in 1956. It was the first automatic wristwatch to spell out the day of the week in full, never abbreviated and available in multiple languages, alongside the date. That innovation played a big role in putting Rolex on the map for practical, everyday complications.

The Day-Date has evolved considerably over the years, through changes to the movement, case and even the bracelet, all without losing its signature aesthetics. Models like the vintage Rolex 1803, the traditional Day-Date 36, and the more contemporary Day-Date 40 show just how the collection has grown.

Rolex Day-Date Price Trends Market Report

At Bob’s Watches, our Rolex Day-Date Price Trends Market Report is a compilation of more than 15 years of real transaction data. This report tracks how Rolex Day-Date prices have changed across vintage, neo-vintage and modern references, including models in all metals from yellow gold, white gold and Everose gold to platinum. Rather than relying on listings or asking prices like other companies, our analysis reflects actual market behavior.

Long-term data shows that Rolex Day-Date prices tend to rise gradually over time, with fewer extreme swings than stainless steel sports models. For example, in the early 2010s, average prices for vintage gold Day-Dates commonly traded in the high $8,000 to low $10,000 range. Values increased steadily through the decade, supported by precious metal content and consistent collector demand.

The collection reached its recent high point in late 2021, which was earlier than many steel sports Rolex models during the broader luxury surge. As the market normalized, prices adjusted. This correction has been reference dependent. Vintage and neo-vintage gold models are more resilient, while certain modern Rolexes experienced sharper but contained pullbacks. Importantly, prices stabilized rather than continuing to decline.

Platinum Day-Date models are particularly stable. They typically experience smaller price swings and faster recoveries during market shifts, reinforcing their position at the top of the Day-Date hierarchy. Even after the post-2021 correction, average Day-Date prices are still well above pre-2020 levels, with long-term appreciation exceeding early 2010s benchmarks.

Use the Day-Date price chart below to explore pricing trends by reference and production era, and to better understand how material choice, generation and market cycles can affect value.

Rolex Day-Date Collections

There are several distinct Day-Date case sizes and generations. Each exudes the classic dual aperture configuration while offering different proportions and technical updates.

Day-Date 36

The Day-Date 36 is the original and most enduring size in the collection. References such as the vintage 18038 introduced the quickset date in the late 1970s, while later models like the 118238 brought improved bracelet and case construction. Current references including the 128235 in Everose gold and 128238 in yellow gold feature Rolex’s modern caliber 3255.

Balanced proportions and versatility make this size popular among collecotrs. Moreover, subtle refinements in bracelet articulation, movement efficiency and dial finishing keep the Day-Date 36 relevant today.

Day-Date 40

The Day-Date 40 introduced in 2015 reflects Rolex’s modern design language with a larger case and overall updated proportions. A few examples include references 228235 in Everose gold and 228238 in yellow gold, which are bothpowered by the caliber 3255 and feature improved ergonomics and precision.

The Day-Date 40 has wrist presence as well as refined finishing, which appeals to buyers who want a contemporary take on Rolex’s flagship watch.

Day-Date II

The Day-Date II, made from 2008 to 2015, was Rolex’s first attempt at a larger Day-Date, measuring 41mm. It included references like the 218235 and 218238, which both had broader bezels and thicker cases.

The Day-Date II is powered by the caliber 3156 and occupies a unique place in the collection’s history. It wasn’t made in huge numbers, which has helped keep collector interest strong, particularly with buyers drawn to its proportions.

Rolex Day-Date Specifications

The Rolex Day-Date uses precious metals with sophisticated mechanical engineering. While the design has remained largely unchanged, the technical specifications have continued to evolve over time.

Materials

All Rolex Day-Date watches are made exclusively from precious metals. Options include 18k yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold, and even 950 platinum. Furthermore, Platinum models feature icy blue dials, which are reserved for watches in the noble metal. All gold alloys are made in-house to ensure consistency and durability.

Movement

Modern Day-Dates use the automatic Rolex caliber 3255 with a 70-hour power reserve and more efficient Chronergy escapement. Earlier generations used the caliber 3155 and, before that, the 3055. All movements are chronometer rated for accuracy.

Bezel

The fluted bezel is made from solid gold or platinum and is the most recognizable Day-Date feature. Some variations also feature gem-set or smooth bezels, giving the series a range of aesthetics.

Water Resistance

All contemporary Rolex Day-Date models provide 100 meters (330 feet) of water resistance, offering protection against everyday moisture exposure. This capability comes from Rolex's Twinlock crown system, which uses two sealed zones to safeguard the movement. The Oyster case construction combines a monobloc middle case, screw-down case back, and screw-down crown to create a hermetically sealed environment that protects against dust, moisture, and pressure changes.

Despite its positioning as a luxury dress watch, this water resistance allows Day-Date owners to wear their timepieces confidently during routine activities, including swimming in shallow water. Rolex recommends annual water resistance testing to maintain optimal performance as gaskets and seals naturally age. This blend of refinement and practicality exemplifies Rolex's philosophy of creating elegant timepieces that withstand daily use.

Watch Bands

The Day-Date collection offers several bracelet and strap options, each complementing the watch's character:

• President Bracelet: The definitive Day-Date bracelet created in 1956, featuring three-piece semicircular links with concealed Crownclasp that creates a seamless appearance. This bracelet has become so closely associated with the model that it contributed to the watch's "Rolex President" nickname.
• Oyster Bracelet: Less common but available on select Day-Date models, particularly in platinum configurations. Its three-piece flat links offer a sportier aesthetic while maintaining the watch's luxury positioning.
• Jubilee Bracelet: While never officially cataloged as a standard Day-Date option, some vintage examples were fitted with this five-piece link design as special orders. These rare configurations are highly sought by collectors for their unique appearance.
• Pearlmaster Bracelet: Reserved primarily for gem-set Day-Date models like the reference 18948. This sophisticated bracelet features rounded five-piece links designed specifically to complement diamond-set bezels and dials, creating a harmonious jewelry-like appearance.
• Leather Strap: Available through Rolex's custom options, providing a more understated alternative that shifts the watch's character toward classic dress styling while reducing overall weight.

Sizes

The Day-Date collection offers precise dimensions engineered for optimal wrist presence and comfort:

• Diameter: Available in 36mm (traditional size) and 40mm (modern size), with the discontinued Day-Date II measuring 41mm.
• Thickness: Approximately 12mm for the 36mm models and 12.5mm for the 40mm variants, creating a substantial presence without excessive height.
• Lug to Lug: Measures approximately 44mm on the 36mm models and 47.5mm on the 40mm versions, ensuring comfortable wear on various wrist sizes.
• Lug Width: 20mm for both the 36mm and 40mm models, maintaining consistent bracelet proportions across the collection.

Expert Opinion

"Few watches occupy the space the Day-Date does within fine watchmaking. Its importance isn’t limited to technical achievement, either. The collection has crossed into culture in a way few watches ever do.. Recent market trends show particular strength in platinum models with ice-blue dials, while the new "puzzle dial" variants have sparked intense collector interest for their artistic execution and limited availability.

The Day-Date seems to always demonstrate remarkable market resilience compared to other luxury timepieces. Vintage references with unique patina command increasing premiums, while modern editions, particularly those in platinum or with specialty dials, frequently appreciate immediately after buying them. Collectors continue to show strong interest in rarer configurations, such as champagne dials with diamond indices, as well as Day-Date II models with shorter production runs and greater scarcity. These patterns make the Day-Date not only a pleasure to wear but often a sound investment."

- Paul Altieri, Founder & CEO of Bob's Watches

Why Choose Us

Bob’s Watches is a trusted leader in the pre-owned luxury watch market, dedicated to transparent pricing and rigorous authentication. Every Rolex Day-Date we sell is evaluated by experienced watchmakers and priced using real market data.

Our approach removes uncertainty from the buying process. We provide clarity and attentive service every step of the process, whether you’re purchasing your first Day-Date or filling a specific gap in a collection.

• Transparent, market-based pricing
• Guaranteed authentic Rolex watches
• Decades of Rolex market expertise
• Secure checkout and insured shipping

Sell Your Rolex Day-Date Watch

If you are considering selling a Rolex Day-Date, Bob’s Watches has a straightforward and data-driven process. Our team evaluates each watch based on reference, condition and current market trends to come up with a competitive offer.

Selling your Rolex Day-Date at Bob’s Watches means working with people who know the collection inside and out. It doesn’t matter if it’s a vintage gold Rolex or a modern Day-Date 40.  We will guide you from evaluation to payment with transparency and professionalism.

Shop Datejust Watches by Feature

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.