The Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 in 18 ct yellow gold with a white dial, fluted bezel and a President bracelet.
The Rolex fluted bezel is a mark of distinction. Originally, the fluting of the Oyster bezel had a functional purpose: it served to screw the bezel onto the case helping to ensure the waterproofness of the watch. It was therefore identical to the fluting on the case back, which was also screwed onto the case for waterproofness, using specific Rolex tools. Over time, the fluting became an aesthetic element, a genuine Rolex signature feature. Today the fluted bezel is a mark of distinction, in gold on this Day-Date 40.
Lacquer combines almost limitless freedom of colour with intensity and a smooth finish. The lacquering technique consists of successively depositing six thin layers of lacquer on a brass base plate. A colourless varnish is then applied to give the colour or shade all of its depth and shine. Once the varnish is dry, the surface of the dial is polished to magnify the colour; the dial is then ready to be pad printed and receive its appliques.
By operating its own exclusive foundry, Rolex has the unrivalled ability to cast the highest quality 18 ct gold alloys. According to the proportion of silver, copper, platinum or palladium added, different types of 18 ct gold are obtained: yellow, pink or white. They are made with only the purest metals and meticulously inspected in an in-house laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment, before the gold is formed and shaped with the same painstaking attention to quality. Rolex’s commitment to excellence begins at the source.
The design, development and production of Rolex bracelets and clasps, as well as the stringent tests they face, involve advanced high technology. And, as with all the components of the watch, aesthetic controls by the human eye guarantee impeccable beauty. The President bracelet, with its semi-circular three piece links, was created in 1956 for the launch of the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date. It represents the ultimate in refinement and comfort and is always made of carefully selected precious metals.
Model case
Type
- Oyster, 40 mm, yellow gold
Diameter
- 40 mm
Material
- Yellow gold
Bezel
- Fluted
Oyster Architecture
- Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown
Winding crown
- Screw-down, Twinlock double waterproofness system
Crystal
- Scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date
Water resistance
- Waterproof to 100 metres (330 feet)
Movement
Type
- Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding
Calibre
- 3255, Manufacture Rolex
Precision
- -2/+2 sec/day, after casing
Oscillator
- Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. High performance Paraflex shock absorbers
Winding
- Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor
Functions
- Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. instantaneous day and date in apertures, secure rapid-setting. Stop-seconds for exact time setting
Power reserve
- Approximately 70 hours
Bracelet
Type
- President, semi-circular three-piece
Bracelet Material
- 18 ct yellow gold
Clasp
- Concealed folding Crownclasp
Dial
Type
- White
Certification
- Superlative Chronometer (COSC+ Rolex certification after casing)
Case reference 228238
Bracelet reference 83418