Rolex Day-Date 40 228239 White Gold with Green Dial – History

The Rolex Day‑Date 40 reference 228239 represents the modern evolution of one of the most prestigious watches ever produced by Rolex. The Day-Date collection debuted in 1956 and quickly became known as the “President’s watch” due to its association with influential political leaders, executives, and cultural figures.

The Day-Date was the first wristwatch to display both the date and the day of the week fully spelled out on the dial, a groundbreaking innovation at the time that set a new standard for calendar complications in luxury watches. The watch was also introduced with the now-iconic President bracelet, a semi-circular three-link bracelet designed exclusively for the Day-Date and crafted only in precious metals.

Reference 228239 belongs to the modern Day-Date 40 generation, which was introduced to refine the proportions and mechanical performance of the model. This generation features the advanced Rolex Calibre 3255 movement and updated case architecture while preserving the classic design elements that have defined the Day-Date for decades.

The olive-green dial variant paired with a white-gold case has become one of the most distinctive and sought-after configurations of the Day-Date 40. The unusual dial color offers a bold contemporary character while maintaining the elegance expected of Rolex’s flagship dress watch.

Design and Aesthetic

The watch features a 40 mm Oyster case crafted entirely from 18k white gold, offering both substantial wrist presence and refined luxury. White gold provides the prestige of a precious metal while maintaining a subtle appearance similar to stainless steel.

A defining element of the watch is the fluted bezel, a signature Rolex design feature originally developed for functional waterproofing but now recognized as one of the brand’s most iconic aesthetic elements.

The olive-green sunburst dial is one of the most distinctive aspects of this reference. The dial catches light beautifully, producing subtle variations in tone that shift between deep green and lighter metallic hues. Roman numeral hour markers and polished hands complement the dial while maintaining excellent readability.

The dial layout also highlights the Day-Date’s defining complication:

• Day of the week displayed in full at 12 o’clock

• Date display at 3 o’clock with Cyclops magnification

Completing the watch is the famous President bracelet in 18k white gold, featuring semi-circular links and a concealed Crownclasp for a seamless, elegant appearance.

Movement: Rolex Calibre 3255

Powering the watch is the Rolex Calibre 3255, an advanced in-house automatic movement designed for exceptional precision and reliability.

Key features include:

• Perpetual self-winding mechanical movement

• Rolex Chronergy escapement for improved efficiency

• Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring

• High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers

• Approximately 70-hour power reserve

• Superlative Chronometer certification

This movement delivers accuracy rated to −2/+2 seconds per day, exceeding traditional chronometer standards.

Specifications

• Reference: 228239

• Model: Rolex Day-Date 40

• Case Diameter: 40 mm

• Case Material: 18k white gold

• Bezel: Fluted white gold bezel

• Dial: Olive-green sunburst dial with Roman numerals

• Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops date magnifier

• Movement: Rolex Calibre 3255 automatic

• Power Reserve: Approximately 70 hours

• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, day display, date

• Bracelet: President bracelet in 18k white gold

• Clasp: Concealed Crownclasp

• Water Resistance: 100 meters / 330 feet

• Certification: Rolex Superlative Chronometer

Model Specifics

Complete set with box, booklets, both tags, and warranty card dated 14/11/2024. In like new, unworn condition. Returns not accepted