Rolex Day-Date 40 228235-0003 40mm

The Rolex Day-Date 40 reference m228235-0003 is a luxurious celebration of warmth and precision, a timepiece that has signified achievement and sophistication since the Day-Date’s debut in 1956. Crafted entirely in Rolex’s patented 18 kt Everose gold—a rose gold alloy with platinum for eternal color stability—this 40mm model features a deep chocolate-colour sunray dial set with 10 baguette-cut diamonds and the classic fluted bezel, where rich tones meet refined sparkle for inviting opulence. Ideal for those who appreciate bold yet harmonious luxury, it delivers the iconic instantaneous day and date displays with timeless allure.

Aesthetic Excellence and Finishing Details

The m228235-0003 captivates with its 40mm Oyster case—monobloc middle case, screw-down case back, and winding crown—all cast in-house from 18 kt Everose gold for exceptional purity and a soft, enduring rose luster. The fluted bezel in matching Everose gold, a Rolex hallmark, reflects light elegantly through its precise grooves.

The chocolate dial showcases masterful sunray finishing: fine brushed grooves radiate outward from the center, creating subtle, dynamic reflections that enhance the rich brown hue. Applied via Physical Vapour Deposition or electroplating and sealed with a light varnish, it gains depth and vibrancy. Elevated by 10 baguette-cut diamond hour markers for brilliant contrast and legibility, it features Chromalight on the hands for discreet luminescence. The day window at 12 o’clock spells the day fully, the date at 3 o’clock is magnified by the Cyclops lens, and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial.

The President bracelet—introduced in 1956 exclusively for the Rolex Day Date—features semi-circular three-piece links in 18 kt Everose gold for supreme comfort and fluidity, secured by a concealed folding Crownclasp.

Technical Mastery and Reliability

The Calibre 3255, a next-generation perpetual self-winding mechanical movement fully designed and manufactured by Rolex, achieves Superlative Chronometer precision (-2/+2 seconds per day after casing). It incorporates:

• Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring
• High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers
• Bidirectional Perpetual rotor

Functions include instantaneous day and date changes at midnight, secure rapid-setting, and stop-seconds. A 70-hour power reserve and Twinlock crown system deliver 100 metres (330 feet) water resistance.

Core Specifications

• Reference: Rolex Day-Date 40 (m228235-0003)
• Case Size: 40 mm
• Material: 18 kt Everose gold
• Bezel: Fluted, 18 kt Everose gold
• Dial: Chocolate sunray, set with 10 baguette-cut diamonds
• Bracelet: President, semi-circular three-piece links in 18 kt Everose gold
• Movement: Calibre 3255, Manufacture Rolex, self-winding
• Complications: Hours, minutes, seconds; instantaneous day and date with rapid-setting
• Power Reserve: Approximately 70 hours
• Water Resistance: 100 metres / 330 feet
• Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops lens over the date

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Essential Insights

1. What creates the chocolate dial’s rich depth?

Sunray brushing with outward grooves diffuses light dynamically, with the chocolate color applied precisely and varnished, accented by 10 baguette-cut diamonds for warm, sophisticated brilliance.

2. How does Everose gold complement the design?

Rolex’s patented alloy with platinum prevents fading, cast in-house for a soft rose tone that harmonizes perfectly with the chocolate dial’s richness.

3. Why is the President bracelet iconic for this collection?

Designed exclusively in 1956, its semi-circular links in precious gold provide exceptional comfort and a concealed clasp for refined, seamless wear.

4. How does the Calibre 3255 ensure superior performance?

The Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex absorbers resist magnetism, temperature, and shocks, while the extended power reserve supports reliable, long-term accuracy.

5. What craftsmanship defines the sunray and diamond integration?

In-house brushing and color application meet precise gem-setting, creating a balanced interplay of chocolate tones with baguette diamonds for enduring, luxurious appeal.