Rolex Day-Date 40 228398tbr-0002 40mm

The Rolex Day-Date 40 reference m228398tbr-0002 stands as the epitome of extravagant luxury and meticulous craftsmanship, a timepiece that has represented the highest echelons of success since the Day-Date collection debuted in 1956. Executed entirely in glorious 18 ct yellow gold, this 40mm treasure boasts a warm champagne-colour sunray dial adorned with diamonds and a fully diamond-set bezel, creating an irresistible interplay of light and opulence. Perfect for those who demand nothing less than extraordinary, it retains the legendary instantaneous day and date complications in a setting of pure magnificence.

Unparalleled Design and Gem-Setting Excellence

The m228398tbr-0002 commands attention with its 40mm Oyster case—monobloc middle case, screw-down case back, and winding crown—all forged from Rolex’s own 18 ct yellow gold foundry to guarantee absolute purity and a deep, inviting radiance. The bezel is transformed into a circle of fire, meticulously paved with hand-chosen diamonds that are expertly set for flawless alignment and maximum scintillation.

The champagne dial showcases Rolex’s signature sunray finishing: delicate brushed rays extend from the center, producing ever-changing reflections as the watch moves. This warm tone is carefully applied and protected with varnish, then elevated by 10 baguette-cut diamond hour markers that provide both brilliance and clear readability. The day window at 12 o’clock spells the day in full, while the date at 3 o’clock is enlarged by the Cyclops lens; subtle Chromalight ensures discreet visibility. All is safeguarded beneath scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

Complementing the case is the iconic President bracelet—introduced in 1956 solely for the Day-Date—with its elegant semi-circular three-piece links in 18 ct yellow gold, offering exceptional comfort and secured by a concealed Crownclasp. See Our Rolex Watches Collections.

Cutting-Edge Movement and Reliability

At the core beats the Calibre 3255, a next-generation perpetual self-winding mechanical movement designed and produced entirely in-house by Rolex. Certified as a Superlative Chronometer (-2/+2 seconds per day after casing), it incorporates:

• Blue Parachrom hairspring for paramagnetic properties
• Paraflex shock absorbers for enhanced resilience
• Bidirectional Perpetual rotor for efficient winding

The movement enables instantaneous day and date switching at midnight, secure rapid-setting functions, and stop-seconds for precise time adjustment. A generous 70-hour power reserve and Twinlock crown system deliver 100 metres (330 feet) of water resistance.

Technical Specifications

• Model: Rolex Day-Date 40 (m228398tbr-0002)
• Case Diameter: 40 mm
• Material: 18 ct yellow gold
• Bezel: Diamond-set, 18 ct yellow gold
• Dial: Champagne sunray, set with 10 baguette-cut diamonds
• Bracelet: President, semi-circular three-piece links in 18 ct yellow gold
• Movement: Calibre 3255, Manufacture Rolex, self-winding
• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds; instantaneous day and date with rapid-setting
• Power Reserve: ~70 hours
• Water Resistance: 100 metres / 330 feet
• Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops lens over date

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Does the Sunray Champagne Dial Achieve Its Warm Glow?

Precision brushing creates radiating grooves that catch light dynamically, paired with 10 baguette-cut diamonds for sophisticated contrast and enduring warmth.

2. What Precision Is Involved in Setting the Diamond Bezel?

Each diamond is individually chosen, seats are hand-crafted in the gold, and stones are set with exacting orientation and height for seamless, brilliant coverage.

3. Why Is the President Bracelet Considered Iconic?

Designed exclusively for the Day-Date in 1956, its semi-circular links in precious metal deliver unmatched fluidity, comfort, and a discreet concealed clasp.

4. How Does the Calibre 3255 Perform Under Real-World Stress?

Its Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex absorbers protect against magnetism, temperature changes, and shocks, while the extended power reserve ensures consistent accuracy.

5. What Makes Factory Diamond-Setting Superior in This Model?

Rolex’s in-house gemologists and setters guarantee flawless selection, placement, and finishing, creating a harmonious, integrated jewel masterpiece straight from the manufacture.