At Watches and Wonders in Geneva, Rolex debuted an attractive new Day-Date 40 with what they call an “Ombré” dial.
Dating back to 1956, the Day-Date, also known as the “Presidents’ watch” comes only in precious metals: 18K yellow, white, or Everose gold, or 950 platinum — and is currently offered in 36 or 40-mm diameter versions. The Day-Date was the first calendar wristwatch to indicate, in addition to the date, the day of the week spelled out in full in an arc-shaped window at 12 o’clock on the dial — a technical feat at the time.
The Day-Date 40 Everose Gold Slate Ombré is delivered in Rolex’s signature solid 18K Everose gold Oyster dress watch case, with a matching non-rotating solid gold fluted bezel and President bracelet (three-piece link). The bracelet is equipped with an elegant concealed folding Crownclasp and includes patented ceramic inserts — designed by Rolex — inside the links to enhance its flexibility on the wrist and its longevity. Contrasting the reddish colored gold is an all-new slate gray gradient (Ombré) dial — the first time this dial has been used in a 40 mm Day-Date — that’s lighter gray in the center and fades to a darker hue towards the perimeter.
Also appearing for the first time, on the ombré dial of this watch are faceted, deconstructed Roman numerals and faceted index hour markers in 18K pink gold. Until now, Rolex ombré dials were set with diamond hour markers and were reserved for the Day-Date 36. This new dial represents the continuity of a design that the brand introduced in the 1980s and relaunched in 2019. Rolex says, “The manufacture of these dials with a concentric gradient involves the application of black lacquer, a delicate operation overseen by a specialist, whose task is to ensure the harmonious transition from color to darkness.”
Driving the hours, minutes, central seconds (hands) and, day and date (wheels), is Rolex’s caliber 3255, which has been around since 2015. The caliber 3255 uses Rolex’s patented Chronergy escapement (made of nickel-phosphorus, this escapement is resistant to strong magnetic fields), a blue Parachrom hairspring (made in a paramagnetic alloy that can handle temperature variations and shocks). It is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring regularity in any position. The oscillator is mounted on the Rolex-designed, patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance. Since 2023, the oscillating weight has been fitted with an optimized ball bearing. The power reserve is 70-hours.
The Rolex Day-Date 40 Everose Gold Slate Ombré (Ref. 228235) is a Superlative Chronometer and leaves the factory adjusted to a rate of -2/+2 seconds per day, and has a water-resistant depth rating of 100 meters. Retail is $41,500.
Photos by Rolex.
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