The Rolex Day-Date has long been associated with presidents, leaders and milestone moments, thanks to its full day display, date window and all-precious-metal cases. Within this selection of pre-owned Rolex Day-Date watches you will find 36 mm, 40 mm and Day-Date II models in yellow, white and rose gold. Each watch is authenticated, with 0 % finance over 12 months or longer terms at 11.9 % APR, subject to status.
Many collectors view the Rolex Day-Date as the definitive high-end Rolex. Its combination of a full-day display, a date window, and a solid precious-metal case, often paired with the iconic President bracelet, gives the watch a strong presence on the wrist without feeling overly complex.
The Rolex Day-Date has been worn by heads of state, business leaders and cultural figures since its introduction in 1956, earning its enduring nickname as the “Presidential” watch. Produced exclusively in precious metals, every Day-Date, whether a vintage 36mm reference or a current-generation 40mm model, features the same combination of a day-and-date complication, a President bracelet, and an all-gold or platinum case that has defined the collection for nearly seven decades.
On the pre-owned market, the Day-Date remains one of Rolex’s most prestigious and recognisable models, with a wide range of references, case sizes and dial configurations available across different price points.
Pre-owned Rolex Day-Date prices vary depending on the reference, case size, metal type and condition of the watch. On the UK pre-owned market, Rolex Day-Date prices typically start at around £13,000 for older 36mm references and rise well above £40,000 for current-generation 40mm models in yellow or rose gold with desirable dial configurations.
Because the entire collection is produced exclusively in precious metals, there is no entry-level stainless steel option. As a result, Rolex Day-Date prices sit at a higher level than most other Rolex collections, reflecting the use of gold or platinum across every reference.
| Configuration | Pre-Owned Price Range |
|---|---|
| Rolex Day-Date 36 | From around £13,000 |
| Rolex Day-Date II | From around £25,000 |
| Rolex Day-Date 40 | From around £30,000 |
Day-Date 36 is the original size and the most widely available configuration on the pre-owned market. Popular references include the 18038, one of the first Day-Dates with a quickset date function, and the 18238, which added a double quickset for both the day and date. Pre-owned Day-Date 36 models at Chronofinder start from around £13,000, with older references such as the 18038 and 18238 typically at the more accessible end of the range, while current-generation pieces such as the 228238 command a premium.
Day-Date II models, produced between 2008 and 2015 with a 41mm case, offer a bolder presence on the wrist and represent a well-priced entry point into the larger Day-Date format. Pre-owned examples on Chronofinder start at around £25,000, falling between the 36mm and 40mm price tiers.
Day-Date 40 is the current large-format reference, introduced in 2015 with updated proportions and the modern Calibre 3255 movement. References such as the 228238 in yellow gold and the 228235 in rose gold are among the most sought-after pre-owned Day-Date configurations available today. Prices at Chronofinder start from around £30,000, with diamond-set dials and rarer configurations sitting above that figure.
The Day-Date is produced exclusively in precious metals and has never been available in stainless steel, which means availability from authorised dealers is more limited than for sports Rolex models. Waiting times for the most popular references can be considerable.
The pre-owned market offers a practical alternative, with a wider range of references, generations and dial configurations available to buy or source. At Chronofinder, every watch listed is in stock or available to source, authenticated by specialists at our Hatton Garden showroom.
Each Day-Date is listed at a fixed price, and flexible finance options are available if you’d prefer to spread the cost.
Several factors influence where a pre-owned Day-Date sits within the price range. Case size plays a significant role, with 40mm references generally commanding a premium over the 36mm. The reference generation matters too, with current-production pieces such as the 228238 typically sitting above older references like the 18238 and 18038.
Dial configuration is another key driver, as diamond-set, stone, or exotic dials can considerably increase the price of an otherwise comparable watch. As with all pre-owned Rolex, condition and the presence of the original box and papers will also influence the final figure.
Chronofinder offers flexible finance options on pre-owned Rolex watches, subject to status. You can spread the cost over 12 months at 0% APR, or choose a longer term from 24 to 60 months at 11.9% APR Representative. Finance is provided by Novuna Personal Finance, part of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Chronofinder acts as a credit broker, not a lender.
For full details on finance eligibility and terms, visit our Finance FAQs page.
For a more targeted search, you can explore our range of Rolex Day-Date watches by size and configuration, including our latest buying guide.
