Rolex Day-Date 40 Everose Gold 228235

Everose gold looks different from regular rose gold because it contains platinum. Most rose gold alloys rely solely on copper for colour—which means they fade over time as copper oxidises. Rolex's proprietary Everose formula adds platinum that locks the copper in place, permanently fixing that warm coppery-pink hue. Twenty years from now, this watch will present the same colour it shows today. That permanence costs weight and money, but it's why Everose remains distinct.

The Day-Date in precious metal has represented Rolex's summit since 1956. Never offered in steel, never compromised with two-tone construction—just solid gold or platinum throughout. This 228235 brings current-generation specifications to that philosophy: 40mm case, calibre 3255 movement, refined proportions. Cast entirely from Everose, including case, bezel, bracelet, crown, and caseback. The weight tells you immediately this isn't hollow or filled construction.

Forty millimetres replaced the 36mm Day-Date in 2015, creating space for the larger calibre 3255 movement whilst maintaining wearability. The fluted bezel—18-karat Everose machined with those distinctive ridges—catches light constantly. Originally functional for screwing the bezel onto the case, now pure signature. The pattern requires precision machining, with each flute individually cut to exact depth and angle. The visual effect changes continuously as wrist position shifts throughout the day.

Day and date complications define this model. Full day spelled out at twelve o'clock in choice of 26 languages, instantaneously advancing at midnight. Date window at three o'clock magnified by Cyclops lens. Both complications require mechanisms that store energy throughout the day, releasing it precisely at midnight to snap both displays forward simultaneously. Most manufacturers still struggle to replicate this level of mechanical sophistication in complication design. The day disc alone comprises multiple components working in perfect synchronisation.

Calibre 3255 represents over a decade of development. Introduced 2015, this movement replaced the 3155 that had served since 1988. Key improvements: seventy-hour power reserve versus forty-eight hours, Chronergy escapement improving efficiency by fifteen percent, refined finishing throughout. The movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour through 31 jewels, achieving -2/+2 seconds daily accuracy exceeding COSC standards. Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring resists magnetic fields and temperature variations. The entire movement measures 31mm in diameter, filling the 40mm case properly whilst maintaining proper proportions.

The President bracelet exists solely for the Day-Date and precious metal Datejust models. That semi-circular three-piece link design—introduced 1956 specifically for the original Day-Date—provides flexibility that traditional three-link Oyster bracelets cannot match. Each link is forged from solid Everose, extensively finished with combination brushing and polishing, then assembled with microscopic tolerances. The concealed Crownclasp maintains clean lines whilst incorporating tool-free adjustment. The bracelet alone contains more precious metal than many competitors' entire watches.

Purchased 2021 places this within Rolex's five-year warranty period whilst having accumulated enough wear time to prove reliability. Excellent condition indicates careful ownership—someone who understood that Everose scratches differently than steel and adjusted handling accordingly. The gold retains its lustre, the bracelet maintains proper tension, the movement keeps factory accuracy. Full set means presentation box, warranty papers, instruction booklets, and all documentation that confirms authenticity and provenance.

Water resistance to 100 metres seems almost beside the point for a solid gold dress watch, until you remember Rolex builds everything to tool watch standards regardless of intended purpose. The Twinlock crown system, screw-down caseback, and precisely specified gaskets mean this watch handles daily life without concern. The sapphire crystal—domed and featuring Cyclops magnification—resists scratches whilst ensuring optical perfection. Every seal has been engineered to maintain water resistance through decades of use.

The dial configuration varies across production. Some examples feature Roman numerals, others stick markers, some include diamond hour markers. Certain dial colours—olive green, chocolate, ice blue—command premiums based purely on desirability and production numbers. The sunburst finishing technique creates depth through radial brushing from dial centre, causing colour intensity to shift with viewing angle. This dynamic visual quality keeps the dial interesting despite minimal complications.

The Day-Date occupies territory no other watch reaches. It's simultaneously Presidential—literally, given the number of world leaders who've worn one—and personal. The watch works for signing treaties and attending galas, but also for daily wear by anyone who's reached a point where precious metal feels appropriate. That versatility, combined with exclusive precious metal construction and mechanical sophistication, explains why the Day-Date remains Rolex's flagship model nearly seventy years after introduction.

The 228235 delivers current-generation Day-Date specifications in Everose gold that won't fade. Forty millimetres, calibre 3255, seventy-hour power reserve, President bracelet throughout. Purchased 2021, excellent condition, complete with full documentation. This is Rolex's most prestigious model executed in their proprietary rose gold alloy that's engineered for permanence. Reference 228235. The Everose President.