Rolex Day-Date 40 40 mm 228238CB1 Yellow Gold Champagne

The Rolex Day-Date 40 reference 228238CB1 represents the pinnacle of the Swiss watchmaker's storied lineup — a watch that has adorned the wrists of heads of state, industry titans, and cultural icons since the Day-Date's introduction in 1956. That original model made history as the first wristwatch to display the full day of the week spelled out in full alongside the date, a complication that became synonymous with achievement and leadership. Reference 228238CB1 carries that legacy forward in the modern 40mm generation, pairing timeless architecture with contemporary proportions that sit beautifully on a wide range of wrist sizes.

The case of the 228238CB1 is crafted entirely from 18k yellow gold, Rolex's own proprietary alloy developed for exceptional luster and long-term color stability. At 40mm, the case is larger than the classic 36mm Day-Date yet retains every proportion that makes the model so immediately recognizable — the smooth, rounded lugs, the polished flanks, and the domed crystal that frames the dial with quiet authority. Water resistance to 100 meters (330 feet) adds a layer of everyday confidence rarely expected from a dress watch of this caliber.

The champagne diamond dial of the 228238CB1 is one of its most captivating attributes. The sun-brushed champagne surface catches ambient light and radiates a warm, golden depth that shifts subtly throughout the day. Diamond hour markers — each individually set at the Rolex manufactory — replace the standard applied indexes, adding brilliance without overwhelming the dial's elegant legibility. The overall effect is one of understated opulence: rich enough to command attention, refined enough to be worn anywhere.

Framing the dial is a yellow gold fluted bezel, one of Rolex's most celebrated design signatures. The fluting is machined with guilloché precision, creating a rhythmic pattern of alternating ridges that catch the light from every angle. This bezel treatment has appeared on Rolex dress watches for decades and remains one of the clearest visual signals that a watch belongs to the Day-Date family. The three-piece-link President bracelet — exclusive to the Day-Date — completes the configuration with a seamlessly integrated fit, a concealed Crownclasp, and a comfort that is immediately apparent on the wrist.

Powering reference 228238CB1 is a Rolex automatic movement, representing the brand's ongoing commitment to in-house precision engineering and chronometric performance. Rolex movements are manufactured, assembled, and individually certified at the Rolex manufactory in Geneva, a process that ensures each watch meets the brand's stringent standards before leaving the facility. The combination of this mechanical heart with an 18k yellow gold case and bracelet makes the 228238CB1 a watch that is equally at home as a daily companion and a multigenerational heirloom.

At Bizak & Co., we specialize in sourcing and presenting luxury timepieces of exactly this caliber — watches that represent the finest intersection of craftsmanship, heritage, and enduring value. The Rolex Day-Date 40 in yellow gold has consistently proven itself one of the most sought-after references on the secondary market, combining brand prestige with material intrinsic value. Whether you are adding to a collection, marking a milestone, or acquiring your first true luxury watch, the 228238CB1 available at bizakandco.com is an acquisition you will not regret. Reach out to our team to discuss availability, condition details, and documentation.