Rolex Day-Date 218239

A Bolder Vision of Prestige

Introduced to meet the contemporary desire for larger timepieces, the Day-Date II expanded the historic 36mm profile of the “President” watch to a formidable 41mm. The reference 218239 captures this era of bold watchmaking, offering a larger canvas that perfectly balances substantial wrist presence with timeless Rolex elegance. While the Day-Date II line was eventually succeeded by the 40mm Day-Date 40, the 41mm case of the 218239 remains highly prized by those who prefer an unapologetically robust dress watch.

The Understated Power of 18k White Gold

Cast in Rolex’s proprietary foundry, the 18k white gold of the 218239 offers a masterclass in “stealth wealth.” To the untrained eye, it carries the versatile, monochromatic sleekness of steel, but the wearer experiences the unmistakable heft and brilliant, lasting luster of pure precious metal. This noble material is utilized throughout the entire construction, from the sculpted Oyster case to the beautifully faceted fluted bezel, which catches the light with remarkable depth.

Mechanical Integrity: Calibre 3156

To accommodate the larger 41mm case, Rolex developed the Calibre 3156, a self-winding mechanical movement engineered for maximum reliability. This calibre was notably equipped with Rolex’s patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, offering up to 50 percent greater resistance to shocks than traditional systems. Combined with the blue Parachrom hairspring, which is insensitive to magnetic fields and temperature variations, this Superlative Chronometer delivers impeccable accuracy. The movement also features a Double Quickset mechanism, allowing for instantaneous and independent adjustment of both the day and date displays.

The Iconic President Bracelet

A Day-Date is defined by its bracelet, and the 218239 is paired with the legendary President bracelet. Characterized by its semi-circular, three-piece links, this bracelet was specifically created for the launch of the model in 1956. In this reference, the solid 18k white gold links provide a substantial, luxurious feel while draping ergonomically around the wrist. The seamless aesthetic is completed by the elegant Crownclasp, a concealed folding fastener that opens with a hinged Rolex crown.

Technical Specifications