Modern Yet Classic: The Rolex Day-Date in Everose Gold Ref. 228235-0025

The first thing that comes to mind when many think of the Rolex Day-Date, is the many U.S. Presidents who have worn the watch. I mean, the model’s bracelet is commonly known as the “President”! Many other notable people including Warren Buffett, the Dalai Lama, and even Tony Soprano have been known to wear the model as well so it’s pretty clear why having one on your wrist is modern shorthand for “I made it”. It is one of the only Rolex models that is offered solely in precious metals and while most have traditionally colored dials such as champagne, silver, white, and black, Rolex has occasionally offered more colorful dials which have become incredibly popular. The Ref. 228235-0025 featuring an olive green dial offers a more youthful take on the iconic Day-Date, and has become one of the most popular Day-Date variants on the market today. Here is an in-depth look at the Rolex Day Date “President” Everose Gold Green Dial 40MM.

History

Originally released in 1956, the Rolex Day-Date was the first watch to display the date and the day in full on the dial. Impressive for the time, both the date and day functions advanced simultaneously at midnight and were ready to present the correct day and date to the wearer the next morning.

Rolex has continued to develop the model over the years debuting numerous technological advancements including the development of a quick-set date, followed by the addition of a quick-set day (with the caliber 3155). The caliber 3155 remained in production until 2019, with numerous updates along the way, including the addition of a Parachrom hairspring.

Beyond these technical developments, Rolex has also demonstrated that they are willing to experiment with the design of one of their most iconic watches. In 1977, the brand released the Oyster Quartz Day-Date which saw the model receive a quartz caliber that was rumored to be accurate to +/-50 seconds per year, an integrated bracelet, and much more angular design overall in either solid yellow or white gold. There were even a few Day-Date Oyster Quartz models with a perpetual calendar function as well, but these are incredibly rare and believed to be prototypes.

Also in the 70s Rolex released what are referred to as Stella dials. These brightly colored lacquered dials were introduced to the Asian and Middle Eastern markets first, but quickly became collector favorites worldwide. The simple change made the traditionally serious, precious metal watch more of a statement piece, and injected a serious dose of fun.

Historically, Day-Dates came in the modest 36mm size, but that all changed in 2008 when Rolex released the 41mm Day-Date II. Aiming to cater to modern buyers who were looking for ever-larger pieces, the 41mm case wore quite large with long and wide lugs. The Day Date II was rather short-lived and was replaced by the Day-Date 40 in 2016. This 40mm Day-Date satisfied the “bigger is better” mindset but offered more wrist-friendly case proportions without the bulky feeling of its predecessor.

With the day of the week available in 26 languages, the Day-Date was always intended for a global audience and it is truly one of the most recognizable watches available on the market.

Design Details

Similar to the vintage Stella dial Day-Dates, the olive green dial of the ref. 228235-0025 offers a unique and distinctive color while still managing to remain somewhat reserved in its appearance. Rolex chose a shade that strikes a balance between vibrancy and subtlety with a sunburst finish that creates a dynamic appearance that evolves as the light changes. The dial features the signature day window at 12 o’clock and date window at 3 o’clock under a cyclops magnifier. Matching the case, the hands and indices are Everose gold, with the hour markers alternating between stick and Roman numerals.

The 40mm case is crafted from Rolex’s proprietary Everose gold which offers a gorgeous coppery tone that pairs perfectly with the green of the dial. As it does on all models that bear it, the fluted bezel gives the Day-Date a little more visual interest and a more formal look. The larger case proportions (as compared to traditional 36mm Day-Dates) are ideal for those who want a little more wrist presence. At 47mm lug-to-lug and a 20mm lug width, the proportions mirror those of other modern 40mm watches. While it’s probably not the most important consideration for a precious metal dress piece, the Rolex Day-Date 40 is rated to 100 meters of water resistance just in case you need to dress up for your next swim.

Like all Day-Dates, this model comes on a President style bracelet. While many get the name of the bracelet mixed with that of the watch, the President bracelet is a three-link style with smaller individual links. A good way to think about it is as an elegant mash-up of the Jubilee and Oyster style bracelets. The smaller links allow for more flexibility and and articulation on wrist, creating greater overall comfort.

Inner Workings

Inside the Day-Date ref. 228235-0025 is the Rolex Caliber 3255 movement. The automatic movement incorporates Rolex’s latest innovations, including the Chronergy escapement and a newer mainspring barrel design which allows for an impressive 70-hour power reserve. The movement is chronometer certified and additionally rated by Rolex to +/- 2 seconds a day. Both the day and date displays have quick set functions, allowing for easy adjustments that the earlier generations of the Day-Date did not have. With their reputation for reliable movements and modern developments, the Caliber 3255 will serve its owner for years to come.

Versus the Competition

It’s pretty tough to find other pieces that match the iconic status of the Day-Date, but for those looking to put a symbol of success on their wrist, there are a few precious metal options available from other prestigious brands.

Potential buyers of the Rolex Day-Date are likely watch collectors who are interested in other top tier brands like Patek Philippe. The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar ref. 5146/1R in rose gold (on bracelet) trades on the secondary market for roughly the same price as the olive dial Day-Date 40. The 5146 is an annual calendar, so in addition to the day and date it also displays the month and knows which have 30 vs 31 days. This means that assuming the automatic winding caliber 315/299 movement is kept running, the calendar only has to be just adjusted once a year. It is hard to argue with having the name of one of the best manufactures on your wrist, with an attention to detail both inside and outside that far surpasses offerings from other Geneva based watch brands.

One could argue that Omega is Rolex’s natural rival. With a storied history of building robust tool watches that offer accuracy and reliability, Omega continues to innovate (often at a much faster rate than Rolex) and create watches that are more advanced technologically. Omega has used the Aqua Terra as the platform for many of these innovations, especially in the area of hairsprings and anti-magnetic technology. The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Day-Date in Rose Gold combines the brand’s iconic Co-Axial escapement and silicon hairspring with a precious metal case that is rated to 150 meters of water resistance. With a display caseback showing off a spiral wave decoration and solid rose gold rotor, it could be argued that the Aqua Terra Day-Date offers more for owners to enjoy than the comparable Rolex. Additionally, Aqua Terras are much more readily available at a much lower price. For those that collect with their minds and their wallets, but still want a bold precious metal watch, the Aqua Terra Day-Date in rose gold will make for a happy collector.

Personality

Gold watches are far from subtle (except for maybe a white gold piece) and the Rolex Day-Date 40 in Everose gold with an olive green dial is definitely a statement piece. That being said, the warmer tone of the Everose case and bracelet and the lack of gemstones make this more of a elegant statement than a brash one. But don’t worry, this is still very much a watch that conveys a level of success, albeit with an added level of charm and personality.

Final Thoughts

The Rolex Day-Date Everose Ref. 228235 successfully merges the classic Day-Date design with a contemporary size and dial color, making it a standout choice for those who appreciate timeless luxury with a touch of modern flair. From the radiant olive green tone of the dial to the reliable caliber 3255 and warm Everose gold case and bracelet, every aspect of this watches continues the strong and confident tradition of the Day-Date model line. Combining status with some subtle flair, the Rolex Day-Date Everose 228335 is a compelling choice for those wanting a contemporary take on a Rolex icon.