Day-Date 40

Oyster, 40 mm, yellow gold

Reference 228238

Each dial is a miniature work of art. The colour, reflections and surface texture, along with decorative elements and the overall design give the watch its intrinsic character.

Rolex masters all aspects of its dial creation and production in-house. From the initial sketches to the final inspection, including colouring or the application of appliques, the process involves a series of steps and operations that call on specific expertise. Some of these professions – enamelling, for instance – date from the early days of watchmaking. Others are inherent to the use of cutting-edge technologies, such as magnetron sputtering, a complex technique for colouring the surface of a dial by depositing a thin film of material in a vacuum environment. A meeting of traditional skills and technology, the manufacture of Rolex dials perfectly encapsulates the philosophy that guides the brand: seeking the highest level of quality to achieve an impeccable, long-lasting result.

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.