Rolex Day-Date 40: 3 Things to Know

First unveiled in 1956, the Rolex President Day-Date has enjoyed a much sought-after status.

Exclusively made in gold and platinum, it was the first watch to indicate both the date and the day of the week in full on the dial. Its groundbreaking technology, paired with elegant and classic styling, has made it a perennial favorite.

In response to changing tastes, the traditional 36mm Day-Date now has a bigger sibling in the Rolex Day-Date 40, giving a contemporary take on the watch par excellence.

Here are three things to know about the Rolex Day-Date 40.

Rolex President Day-Date 40 Black Dial Yellow Gold Watch 228238

1. BIGGER SIZE, CLASSIC PROPORTIONS

Introduced in 2015, the Rolex Day-Date was actually a replacement for the Day-Date II of 2008. Rolex had initially launched the 41mm Day-Date II to meet the demand for larger case sizes, but its rather plump proportions was considered overplayed by Rolex fans.

Rolex Day-Date 40 President in Yellow Gold, Platinum and Everose Gold

With the Rolex Day-Date 40, the brand answers the call for a larger case size, while keeping the classic proportions of the Day-Date that fans have come to love. From the hefty Day-Date II, it was given a more streamlined look with slimmer lugs and case bands and a thinner bezel.

The dials are also nothing short of sensational. One can choose from sunray dials or laser etched patterns in diagonal, crisscross or quadrant motifs.

Rolex President Day-Date 40 Black Dial Yellow Gold Watch 228238

Even more minute details have been refined on the Day-Date 40. The bezel has thinner and sharper notches, while the serif Roman numerals have been replaced by faceted ones or baton hour markers with Chromalight lume.

The iconic President bracelet remained, this time with crucial updates: ceramic sleeves, to hold the links together, preventing the wear-and-tear seen on older bracelets and a design integrated with the case, creating a seamless look.

2. NEW MOVEMENT

Along with the design upgrades came a new caliber – one that set higher standards of performance for watch movements. The Caliber 3255 is backed by 14 patents and was designed from the ground up to optimize performance.

Rolex Calibre 3255 (photo: Rolex)

Equipped with the new Chronergy escapement, it increased energy efficiency by 15%, is resistant to daily values of magnetic shocks and boasts a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. This means that the watch will continue to run throughout the weekend without needing to be wound and, over time, will keep its accuracy while lengthening service intervals.

3. 60th ANNIVERSARY MODEL

The Rolex Day-Date celebrated its 60^th anniversary in 2016, a year after the release of the Day-Date 40. To mark the special occasion, the Day-Date 40 was given a regal treatment – a new Rolex-green dial in two metal variations.

Rolex Day-Date 40 President 60th Anniversary Model in White Gold

Rolex has been known to celebrate milestones with green dial editions, but the 60^th anniversary Day-Date was a far cry from the daylight green dials we’ve seen. The olive green dial is brighter and closer to a rich moss; and the sunburst effect is truly captivating. With the gilt print and faceted Roman numerals, the result was a sleek and thoroughly modern execution.

Rolex Day-Date 40 President 60th Anniversary Model in 18K White Gold and Everose gold

The anniversary model was offered in two metals – 18k white gold and Everose gold – with all the grace and pedigree of the regular Day-Date 40.

With a larger wrist presence and modern touches, the Rolex Day-Date 40 offers an elevated style to the all-time classic. Explore our selection of Rolex Day-Date watches at SwissWatchExpo.com

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