Rolex Day-Date 40 228398tbr-0038 40mm

The Rolex Day-Date 40 reference m228398tbr-0038 represents the height of luxurious horology and gem-setting mastery, a timepiece that has stood as the ultimate emblem of prestige since the Day-Date’s introduction in 1956. Executed entirely in radiant 18ct yellow gold, this 40mm icon features a striking onyx dial set with diamonds and a fully diamond-paved bezel, where profound black depth meets explosive brilliance for unmatched sophistication. Crafted for those who seek the extraordinary, it preserves the classic instantaneous day and date complications amid a canvas of rare stone and precious gems.

Design Mastery and Exceptional Gem-Setting

The Rolex Day-Date m228398tbr-0038 captivates with its 40mm Oyster case—monobloc middle case, screw-down case back, and winding crown—all forged from Rolex’s proprietary 18 ct yellow gold foundry for impeccable purity and a deep, luxurious sheen. The bezel is elevated into a jewel-encrusted masterpiece, paved with carefully selected diamonds that are hand-set for perfect alignment, orientation, and light performance.

The onyx dial is a rare natural treasure: polished black onyx known for its intense, mirror-like depth and uniformity, providing a dramatic backdrop that amplifies the sparkle of 10 baguette-cut diamond hour markers. These gems are set with precision for optimal legibility and contrast. The day window at 12 o’clock displays the day in full, the date at 3 o’clock is magnified by the Cyclops lens, and subtle Chromalight ensures functionality where needed. Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects this exquisite surface.

The President bracelet—created in 1956 exclusively for the Day-Date—features semi-circular three-piece links in 18 ct yellow gold for superior comfort and elegance, fastened by a concealed Crownclasp.

Advanced Movement and Performance

The Calibre 3255, a next-generation perpetual self-winding mechanical movement fully designed and manufactured by Rolex, powers this model with Superlative Chronometer certification (-2/+2 seconds per day after casing). Key elements include:

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

It supports instantaneous day and date switching at midnight, secure rapid-setting, and stop-seconds. A 70-hour power reserve and Twinlock crown provide 100 metres (330 feet) water resistance. See Our Rolex Watches Collections.

Technical Specifications

• Model: Rolex Day-Date 40 (m228398tbr-0038)
• Case Diameter: 40 mm
• Material: 18 ct yellow gold
• Bezel: Diamond-set, 18 ct yellow gold
• Dial: Onyx 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. What Makes the Onyx Dial Stand Out?

Natural black onyx offers mirror-like depth and uniformity, paired with 10 baguette-cut diamond markers for dramatic contrast and timeless elegance.

2. How Is the Diamond Bezel Engineered for Brilliance?

Seats are hand-shaped in the gold, with each diamond selected and set for precise height, alignment, and orientation to maximize light return.

3. What Defines the Exclusivity of the President Bracelet?

Debuted in 1956 for the Day-Date, its semi-circular solid gold links provide luxurious fluidity and a concealed clasp for seamless, refined wear.

4. How Does the Calibre 3255 Handle Environmental Challenges?

The Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex absorbers resist magnetism, temperature variations, and shocks, ensuring reliable precision over years.

5. What Expertise Ensures the Gem-Setting Quality?

Rolex’s in-house gemologists and setters meticulously select and place diamonds, integrating them flawlessly with the rare onyx dial for a factory-perfect jewel watch.