The Rolex Day-Date II is the 41mm version of the Day-Date, sold from 2008 until 2015, when the 40mm Day-Date replaced it. Its main references are 218238 in yellow gold and 218235 in Everose gold, with a white gold variant listed as 218239 and the platinum 218206. Bizak & Co. sources these watches to order and does not hold them as stock.
Sources: Bob's Watches, Day-Date II 218238 review, Watchbase, Day-Date II 218238 and Watchbase, Day-Date 40 228238.
What is the Rolex Day-Date II?
It is a larger, discontinued take on the Day-Date, cased in 41mm precious metal and introduced at Baselworld 2008 as the bigger sibling to the 36mm model. It kept the signature features: a day-of-the-week window at 12 o'clock, a date window, a fluted bezel on the gold versions and the President bracelet. The reference numbers sit in the 2182xx family, which is how you tell it apart from the 36mm 1182xx watches and the 40mm 2282xx watches that followed.
Which references does the Day-Date II come in?
The last three digits of the first block tell you the metal. In this family 218238 is yellow gold, 218235 is Everose gold, 218239 is white gold and 218206 is platinum. Each reference was sold with many dial and numeral options, and the suffix after the dash on reference sites identifies the dial. Rolex also made gem-set versions, including models with diamond bezels.
| Reference | Case metal | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 218238 | 18k yellow gold | 41mm | The classic President look |
| 218235 | 18k Everose gold | 41mm | Pink-toned gold; dials include black and ivory Roman numeral versions |
| 218239 | 18k white gold | 41mm | Listed with silver and diamond-set dials on reference sites |
| 218206 | Platinum | 41mm | Ice-blue dial and smooth domed bezel |
If you have a specific watch in mind, browse the Rolex Day-Date II collection, or narrow it to the yellow gold Day-Date II models. Two examples of how these are catalogued are the Day-Date II 218238CR in yellow gold with a champagne dial and the Day-Date II 218235 in rose gold with a black dial. These are catalogue entries, not units we hold.
What movement and specs does the Day-Date II have?
The 218238 is reported to use the Rolex caliber 3156, a self-winding movement, in a 41mm Oyster case rated to 100 meters (330 feet). The bezel is fluted gold and the bracelet is the three-piece-link President. Sources describe these specs for the 218238 specifically; the other references in the family are generally described the same way, but check the papers for any individual watch.
How is the Day-Date II different from the Day-Date 40?
The Day-Date 40 is the direct successor: slightly smaller at 40mm, introduced in 2015 as reference 228238 in yellow gold, and powered by the caliber 3255 with a power reserve reported at about 70 hours. The Day-Date II was the larger-case experiment; the 40 settled the proportions at a more wearable size and added the newer movement.
| Day-Date II | Day-Date 40 | Day-Date 36 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case size | 41mm | 40mm | 36mm |
| Yellow gold reference | 218238 | 228238 | Earlier 1182xx family |
| Movement | Caliber 3156 (218238) | Caliber 3255 | Varies by generation |
| Status | Discontinued in 2015 | Current successor | Longstanding original size |
For the successor in detail, read our Day-Date 40 guide, and for the classic size see the Rolex Day-Date 36 models. The wider family sits in our Rolex President collection.
Is the Day-Date II still worth buying pre-owned?
It can be, if you want the larger wrist presence and a gold Day-Date at a discount to the newer model; since it is discontinued, all supply is pre-owned. Generally, buyers should expect prices in the broad range of a pre-owned precious-metal Rolex, with variation by metal, dial and condition. We do not quote exact figures here because they move; a sourcing enquiry gets a price for a specific unit.
What should you check when sourcing a Day-Date II?
- Reference and metal. Confirm the full reference (for example 218238) and that the case, bezel and bracelet are all the same gold.
- Bracelet stretch. Gold President bracelets can loosen with age; ask for a close look at the links and clasp.
- Case wear. Polished gold cases can lose sharpness; compare lug and bezel edges against clean examples.
- Dial and numerals. Check that the dial matches the reference and shows no aftermarket changes.
- Papers and service history. Ask for the box, warranty card and any service records.
Quick answers
What is a Rolex Day-Date II?
A 41mm gold Day-Date made from 2008 to 2015, with the day and date display, fluted bezel and President bracelet.
What is the difference between 218235 and 218238?
The metal. 218238 is yellow gold and 218235 is Everose gold; both are 41mm Day-Date II references.
Was the Day-Date II replaced?
Yes. The 40mm Day-Date, introduced in 2015, replaced it as the standard modern size.
Is the Day-Date II bigger than the Day-Date 40?
Yes. It is 41mm versus 40mm, a 1mm difference in diameter.
Related reading: Rolex Day-Date 40: Metals, Dials and Which Version to Choose, Rolex Day-Date 36 vs Day-Date 40 and Rolex President Bracelet.
Get your Rolex sourced
Tell us the model, size, dial and bracelet preference, whether you want new or pre-owned, and your budget and timing, through our sourcing enquiry form. We confirm the specific watch, photographs and final price before you commit, so you can arrange financing against a real target.
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