Rolex Day-Date 40 Yellow Gold — Green Ombré Roman Dial | Ref. 228238

Introduced in 2015 to extend the Day-Date line into a more contemporary proportion, the Day-Date 40 at 40 mm addresses a generation of collectors who desire the prestige and heritage of the President watch in a slightly enlarged format. Reference 228238, produced in solid 18-carat yellow gold throughout, is among the most visually arresting configurations in the current catalogue: the green ombré dial shifts in depth and saturation from the centre to the periphery, producing a gradient effect that transforms the dial into something closer to a work of decorative art than a simple functional surface.

Roman numerals in polished yellow gold are applied to the dial, their classical form contrasting beautifully with the modern, chromatic treatment of the ombré ground. The fluted bezel—engine-turned directly into the solid gold case—adds a layer of textural richness that has been a hallmark of the Day-Date since its earliest references. The day and date displays at twelve and three o'clock maintain the model's defining function, each window framed with the refinement and proportion for which Rolex's dial designers are renowned.

This 2024-production reference houses the Calibre 3255, representing the state of the art in Rolex manufacture watchmaking. The movement incorporates the Chronergy escapement—a nickel-phosphorus lever and escape wheel system offering 15% greater energy efficiency than conventional designs—alongside a patented variable-inertia balance wheel and a 70-hour power reserve. Certified as a Superlative Chronometer to ±2 seconds daily, it is presented with full box and papers, confirming this as a pristine example for the discerning collector.