Rolex watch oyster perpetual day date price

Rolex Day-Date prices start at $33,950 for a 36mm version and $37,450 for a 40mm version when purchased brand new from an authorized dealer at retail prices. However, the retail prices of a Day-Date, also known as a Rolex President watch, can quickly increase from there depending on the case and bracelet materials, as well as the use of diamonds. What’s more, prices of pre-owned Rolex Day-Date watches vary wildly on the secondary market with factors such as age, condition, style, and materials all impacting the overall cost. For instance, the cost of an older secondhand Day-Date President in yellow gold can start as low as $8,000 while a highly collectible platinum Day-Date with an ice-blue dial and numbers written in Arabic can cost around $350,000. Confusing, right? Our Rolex Day Date price guide below covers all the bases.

Rolex watch oyster perpetual day date price

The Oyster Perpetual Day-Date model is a legendary Rolex watch, which as its name suggests, is equipped with the day of the week and date indications through two separate windows. 

Using our comprehensive list of prices detailed below, you can now have a better idea of what the cost of a Rolex Day-Date President watch would be to buy – whether vintage, neo-vintage, or modern. 

As always, feel free to reach out to us at LuxuryBazaar.com about the price of any particular Rolex Day-Date model — we either have it in stock at the best price or we can source it for you.

This particular Rolex model has developed a cult following and has even accompanied the history of a few U.S. Presidents. Along with being the go-to watch of some presidents and other people of influence, the Day-Date bracelet is also called the President bracelet. It’s not hard to see why the Day-Date is more commonly known as the Rolex President or Rolex Presidential. 

The Day-Date is exclusively crafted in precious metals, such as gold and platinum, and Rolex positions it as its most prestigious timepiece. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the Rolex President is an expensive luxury watch. But, how much does a Rolex Day-Date cost? 

As expected, the answer is not a straightforward one and how much you’ll pay for a Day-Date is dependent on a range of details. So if you’re interested to learn what those details are, keep on reading. Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the cost of Rolex Day-Date watches, where we outline the retail and market prices of modern models, as well as market prices of of vintage and neo-vintage references. 

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TOP Affordable Alternatives to ROLEX WATCHES! (Daytona, Submariner, GMT…)

In this article:

  • Brief History of the Rolex Day-Date
  • What Impacts the Cost of a Rolex Day-Date?
  • How Much Does a Vintage Rolex Day-Date Cost? 
    • Vintage Day-Date Price Chart
  • How Much Does an Oysterquartz Rolex Day-Date Cost? 
    • Oysterquartz Day-Date Price Chart
  • How Much Does a Neo-Vintage Rolex Day-Date Cost? 
    • Neo-Vintage Rolex Day-Date Prices
  • How Much Does a Rolex Day-Date Masterpiece Cost? 
    • Day-Date Masterpiece Price Chart
  • How Much Does a Rolex Day-Date II Cost? 
    • Day-Date II Price Chart
  • How Much Does a Modern Rolex Day-Date 36 Cost?
    • Modern Rolex Day-Date 36 Price Chart
  • How Much Does a Modern Rolex Day-Date 40 Cost? 
    • Modern Day-Date Price Chart

Brief History of the Rolex Day-Date

In 1956, Rolex unveiled a new watch model called the Day-Date, which was the world’s first chronometer wristwatch that featured two windows to indicate the date and the day of the week written in full. 

The original reference of 1956, the ref. 6510, had a 36 mm Oyster case and a screw-in crown, ensuring the watch was water resistant. For the next four decades, Rolex exclusively made the Day-Date available with a 36mm case. 

The signature design of the Rolex Day-Date, with its two windows (the day window at twelve o’clock and the date window at three o’clock), was reputedly made to improve the readability of the watch when worn under the cuff of the shirt, and only half-exposed. 

Over the years, the day indication has been translated into as many as 26 different languages: English, Spanish, Dutch, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Arabic, German, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Danish, Basque, Catalan, Ethiopian, Finnish, French, Greek, Hebrew, Moroccan, Norwegian, Farsi, Swedish, and Turkish. 

Like many iconic watches, the Day-Date has changed very little from its introduction in 1956 and has continuously been refined to suit its customers’ desires. For instance, Rolex has added larger sizes to the collection to sit alongside the original 36mm version.

  • 1956: Rolex introduces the 36mm Day-Date collection
  • 2000: Rolex introduces the 39mm Day-Date Masterpiece
  • 2008: Rolex introduces the 41mm Day-Date II collection
  • 2015: Rolex replaces Day-Date II with Day-Date 40

In 2008, Rolex introduced a 41mm version of the same watch, the Day-Date II, but replaced it with a 40mm version in 2015, aptly called the Day-Date 40. The current Rolex Day-Date catalog now offers two sizes: 36mm and 41mm. 

The Rolex Day-Date has housed several movements (including a quartz one) and is available in vast combinations of materials, dials, and bezels – between which the typical fluted one is the best-known. 

Rolex watch oyster perpetual day date price

Additionally, as with most Rolex timepieces, these watches are complemented by matching bracelets. While Rolex has paired the Day-Date with leather straps, curvy Pearlmaster bracelets, and sporty Oyster bracelets in the past, the classic choice is the semi-circular three-link President bracelet, which was originally designed for the very first Day-Date reference. 

What Impacts the Cost of a Rolex Day-Date?

As mentioned, several factors will affect the price of a Day-Date including age, the rarity of a reference, diamond embellishments, and case materials. Even dials will have an impact on the cost. For example, “Stella” dials dating from the 1970s, which are colorful enamel dials in shades like red, blue, green, salmon, yellow, and green, are highly collectible and rare, therefore quite expensive. 

The Day-Date President is only available in precious metals, like gold and platinum. There are no steel or two-tone versions. This fact explains its rarity and its high price point. 

As always, you can look at the last digit of the Rolex reference number (five- or six-digit reference numbers only) to indicate the material used to make the watch: 

  • 8 = 18k Yellow Gold, e.g. Day-Date ref. 228238
  • 9 = 18k White Gold, e.g. Day-Date ref. 228239
  • 5 = 18k Everose Gold, e.g. Day-Date ref. 228235
  • 6 = 950 Platinum, e.g. Day-Date ref. 228236

It’s important to point out that Rolex prices the yellow gold versions of the Day-Date less than the white and Everose gold versions. Of course, platinum Day-Dates are the most expensive of all. Rolex also made Tridor versions of the Day-Date for a short time, which combines yellow, white, and rose gold elements on one watch. 

Rolex watch oyster perpetual day date price

Note that customized and personalized Day-Date watches are much less valuable in the market than original variants – even if thousands of dollars worth of diamonds have been added. Aftermarket modifications will have a significant negative impact on the price of a Rolex Day-Date. 

What follows is an almost complete list of the different versions of the Rolex Day-Date watch, accompanied by introductory notes about the various references. We will compare the following prices: current retail prices (September 2022), current average market prices (September 2022), average market prices from six months ago (March 2022), and average market prices from one year ago (September 2021). 

How Much Does a Vintage Rolex Day-Date Cost? 

The earliest Day-Date references were the ref. 6510 and the ref. 6511. These two references are among the rarest of the Rolex Day-Date lineup since they were only in production for a little more than a year due to some mechanical deficiencies. Following these, Rolex launched the ref. 66xx series of Day-Date watches, which benefited from improved movements. This series was in production until 1959. 

Rolex watch oyster perpetual day date price

In 1959, Rolex found its stride with the Day-Date 18xx series, powered by better higher-beat movements. Rolex also expanded the collection with a range of creative bezels, and while the vast majority were crafted in yellow gold, a few white gold models were also made. The introduction of the five-digit reference Day-Date 180xx series debuted Caliber 3055, which had the quickset date functionality to allow the date window to be set independently from the timekeeping hands.

  • 1956-1957: Day-Date 65xx Series (Caliber 1055)
    • Ref. 6510
    • Ref. 6511
  • 1957-1959: Day-Date 66xx Series (Improved Caliber 1055)
    • Ref. 6611
    • Ref. 6612
    • Ref. 6613 
  • 1959-1978: Day-Date 180x Series (Caliber 1555/1556)
    • Ref. 1802 (Smooth bezel)
    • Ref. 1803 (Fluted bezel)
    • Ref. 1804 (Diamond bezel)
    • Ref. 1806 (Florentine bezel)
    • Ref. 1807 (Bark bezel)
    • Ref. 1811 (Morellis bezel)
  • 1978-1988: Day-Date 180xx Series (Caliber 3055)
    • Ref. 18028 (Yellow gold, smooth bezel)
    • Ref. 18038 (Yellow gold, fluted bezel)
    • Ref. 18048 (Yellow gold, diamond bezel)
    • Ref. 18078 (Yellow gold, bark bezel)
    • Ref. 18039 (White gold, fluted bezel)
    • Ref. 18049 (White gold, diamond bezel)
    • Ref. 18079 (White gold, bark bezel)
    • Ref. 18026 (Platinum, smooth bezel)

Vintage Rolex Day-Date watches can include any models produced from 1956 to the end of the 1980s. However, the most commonly found ones in today’s market will be the four-digit 180x and five-digit 180xx references. 

Vintage Day-Date Price Chart

Day-Date Ref.Avg. Market Price Sept 2022Avg. Market Price March 2022Avg. Market Price Sept 20211802$14,700$16,000$10,5001803$12,700$14,200$11,5001807$12,000$13,500$11,20018028$19,400$17,300$11,10018038$16,900$18,800$16,20018048$21,800$18,800$17,50018078$16,400$17,600$16,20018039$20,300$20,200$16,300

How Much Does an Oysterquartz Rolex Day-Date Cost? 

Contrary to popular belief, Rolex has made its fair share of quartz models throughout its history. One example is the Oysterquartz Day-Date, introduced in 1977 and powered by the in-house-made Caliber 5055 quartz movement. 

While the Oysterquartz Day-Date watch shared many design similarities with its self-winding Day-Date counterparts, the quartz version stands out for its very 1970s-style angular case shape and integrated bracelet. 

Rolex watch oyster perpetual day date price

Rolex made several Oysterquartz Day-Date models over the decades, but the most common is the yellow gold reference 19018, followed by the white gold reference 19019. There are some ultra-luxurious and highly rare versions of the Oysterquartz Day-Date, embellished with diamonds and other precious gems. 

1977-2002: Oysterquartz Day-Date 19xxx Series (Quartz Caliber 5055)

  • Ref. 19018 (Yellow gold, fluted bezel)
  • Ref. 19019 (White gold, fluted bezel)
  • Ref. 19028 (Yellow gold, pyramid bezel, pyramid bracelet)
  • Ref. 19038 (Yellow gold, pyramid and diamond bezel, pyramid bracelet)
  • Ref. 19048 (Yellow gold, diamond bezel)
  • Ref. 19049 (White gold, diamond bezel)
  • Ref. 19058 (Yellow gold, baguette-cut diamond bezel)
  • Ref. 19068 (Yellow gold, diamond bezel, pyramid bracelet)
  • Ref. 19078 (Yellow gold, rainbow gem bezel, pyramid bracelet)
  • Ref. 19148 (Yellow gold, diamond bezel, diamond bracelet)
  • Ref. 19168 (Yellow gold, baguette-cut gem bezel, gem-set “Octopus” bracelet)
  • Ref. 19188 (Yellow gold, diamond and ruby bezel, diamond bracelet)

Though the Oysterquartz series was in production for about 25 years, it’s estimated that Rolex only ever made 25,000 examples – including both Oysterquartz Datejust models and Oysterquartz Day-Date models.

Oysterquartz Day-Date Price Chart

Oysterquartz Day-Date Ref.Avg. Market Price Sept 2022Avg. Market Price March 2022Avg. Market Price Sept 202119018$15,500$15,700$14,20019019$33,500N/AN/A19028$33,100N/AN/A19038$39,000N/AN/A19048$22,500N/AN/A

How Much Does a Neo-Vintage Rolex Day-Date Cost? 

Generally speaking, neo-vintage Rolex watches are discontinued references made from the late-1980s until about 2000. Rolex watches from this era have an appealing mix of old and new. For instance, they generally have classic case silhouettes and older-style bracelets. However, they also benefit from modern touches like glossy dials with applied gold indexes, sapphire crystals, and the then-new Caliber 31xx generation of Rolex movements. 

Rolex watch oyster perpetual day date price

In 1988, Rolex debuted a new Day-Date movement called the Caliber 3155, which featured a double quickset to allow both the date and day to be set independently from the center hands. To house this movement, Rolex released the Day-Date President 182xx series. Rolex also manufactured the lavish gem-set Day-Date 183xx series during the same era, however, in much fewer quantities.

1988-2000: Day-Date 182xx Series and 183xx Series (Caliber 3155)

  • Ref. 18238 (Yellow gold, fluted bezel)
  • Ref. 18248 (Yellow gold, bark bezel)
  • Ref. 18239 (White gold, fluted bezel
  • Ref. 18239BIC (White gold case, yellow gold fluted bezel, tridor bracelet)
  • Ref. 18249 (White gold, bark bezel)
  • Ref. 18208 (Yellow gold, smooth bezel)
  • Ref. 18206 (Platinum, smooth bezel)
  • Ref. 18308 (Yellow gold, diamond and bark bezel)
  • Ref. 18338 (Yellow gold, fluted bezel, diamond lugs)
  • Ref. 18348 (Yellow gold, diamond bezel)
  • Ref. 18388 (Yellow gold, diamond bezel, diamond lugs)
  • Ref. 18339 (White gold, fluted bezel, diamond lugs)
  • Ref. 18349 (White gold, diamond bezel)
  • Ref. 18349BIC (White gold case, diamond bezel, tridor bracelet)
  • Ref. 18346 (Platinum, diamond bezel)

Neo-Vintage Rolex Day-Date Prices

Day-Date Ref.Avg. Market Price Sept 2022Avg. Market Price March 2022Avg. Market Price Sept 202118238$19,100$20,800$18,70018248$19.600$21,000$15,90018239$19,600$21,700$18,80018206$34,700$31,200$24,50018348$21,000$21,500$21,20018349$36,000N/AN/A18349BIC$19,000N/AN/A18346$32,000N/AN/A

How Much Does a Rolex Day-Date Masterpiece Cost? 

Introduced in 2000, the Masterpiece was a special collection of Day-Date watches that had 39mm cases, diamond embellishments, and Pearlmaster bracelets rather than the traditional President bracelets. Rolex manufactured the Day-Date Masterpiece range for less than 15 years and only made limited quantities. Therefore, these are quite rare to find in the secondary market. 

Rolex watch oyster perpetual day date price

2000-2014: Day-Date Masterpiece 189xx Series (Caliber 3155) 

  • Ref. 18948 (Yellow gold case, diamond bezel, yellow gold or Tridor bracelet)
  • Ref. 18958 (Yellow gold case, baguette-cut diamond bezel, yellow gold or Tridor bracelet)
  • Ref. 18946 (Platinum, diamond bezel)
  • Ref. 18956 (Platinum, baguette-cut diamond bezel)

Day-Date Masterpiece Price Chart

Day-Date Masterpiece Ref.Avg. Market Price Sept 2022Avg. Market Price March 2022Avg. Market Price Sept 202118948$43,400$40,200$40,40018946$67,200$60,900$55,000

How Much Does a Rolex Day-Date II Cost? 

In 2008, Rolex introduced a new model, the Day-Date II with a 41mm case, which was significantly larger than the traditional 36mm diameter. In true Rolex fashion, the Day-Date II President was made available in various precious metals and dial styles. The Day-Date II was a short-lived collection; it was replaced in 2015 by the Day-Date 40 line. 

Rolex watch oyster perpetual day date price

2008-2015: Day-Date II 2182xx Series (Caliber 3156)

  • Ref. 218238 (Yellow gold, fluted bezel)
  • Ref. 218348 (Yellow gold, diamond bezel)
  • Ref. 218235 (Everose gold, fluted bezel)
  • Ref. 218239 (White gold, fluted bezel)
  • Ref. 218349 (White gold, diamond bezel)
  • Ref. 218206 (Platinum, smooth bezel)

Day-Date II Price Chart

Day-Date II Ref.Avg. Market Price Sept 2022Avg. Market Price March 2022Avg. Market Price Sept 2021218238$46,900$47,300$43,900218348$55,400$50,600$47,800218235$57,200$62,500$47,900218239$43,105$46,100$40,400218349$43,400$46,800$40,600218206$73,100$76,300$56,700

How Much Does a Modern Rolex Day-Date 36 Cost?

Generally speaking, modern Rolex watches are classified as those models with six-digit reference numbers that were released in 2000 or later. The Day-Date 36 has had two six-digit references series so far: the now-discontinued 118xxx series and the current 128xxx series, which debuted in 2019. 

Rolex watch oyster perpetual day date price

The Day-Date 36 118xxx series was not only a long-running one (manufactured for almost 20 years) but it was a widely varied collection. For example, along with the classic President bracelet, Rolex also fitted some Day-Date models with leather straps and Oyster bracelets. This series was also the first time that Rolex made an Everose gold President watch, crafted from the brand’s proprietary rose gold alloy. 

2000-2019: Day-Date 36 118xxx Series (Caliber 3155)

  • Ref. 118208 (Yellow gold, smooth bezel)
  • Ref. 118238 (Yellow gold, fluted bezel)
  • Ref. 118348 (Yellow gold, diamond bezel)
  • Ref. 118138 (Yellow gold, fluted bezel, leather strap)
  • Ref. 118239 (White gold, fluted bezel)
  • Ref. 118389 (White gold, diamond bezel, diamond lugs)
  • Ref. 118139 (White gold, fluted bezel, leather strap)
  • Ref. 118205 (Everose gold, smooth bezel)
  • Ref. 118235 (Everose gold, fluted bezel)
  • Ref. 118135 (Everose gold, fluted bezel, leather strap)
  • Ref. 118206 (Platinum, smooth bezel)
  • Ref. 118346 (Platinum, diamond bezel)

While the Day-Date 36 President 128xx references look remarkably similar to their preceding 118xxx references, the newer versions benefit from new-generation Caliber 3255 movements. These movements now offer an increased power reserve rating of 70 hours (compared to 42 hours), as well as improvements in accuracy and durability. 

2019-Present: Day-Date 36 128xxx Series (Caliber 3255)

  • 128238 (Yellow gold, fluted bezel)
  • 128348 (Yellow gold, diamond bezel)
  • 128239 (White gold, fluted bezel)
  • 128349 (White gold, diamond bezel)
  • 128235 (Everose gold, fluted bezel)
  • 128236 (Platinum, fluted bezel)
  • 128396 (Platinum, diamond bezel)

Modern Rolex Day-Date 36 Price Chart

Day-Date 36 Ref.Retail Price Sept 2022Avg. Market Price Sept 2022Avg. Market Price March 2022Avg. Market Price Sept 2021118208N/A$25,200$27,000$22,500118238N/A$27,600$29,400$26,900118348N/A$42,100$41,000$32,900118138N/A$27,000$30,600$23,300118239N/A$25,300$26,800$21,600118389N/A$38,800$38,500$38,100118139N/A$23,100$25,300$20,100118205N/A$25,300$29,600$24,800118235N/A$30,200$34,500$28,100118135N/A$23,000$26,400$20,400118206N/A$39,200$36,000$35,600128238$33,950$48,500$44,000$39,100128348$46,950$59,500$60,200$55,700128239$36,850$36,500$37,300$32,600128349$49,750$56,800$55,200$51,400128235$36,850$45,000$51,800$36,300128345$49,750$68,700$57,000$51,600128236$58,950$72,900N/AN/A
Rolex watch oyster perpetual day date price

How Much Does a Modern Rolex Day-Date 40 Cost? 

The Day-Date 40 was introduced by Rolex in 2015, featuring a slightly more compact 40mm case compared to the 41mm diameter of the Day-Date II. Aside from the 1mm difference, the Day-Date 40 is also more graceful in its proportions than the sportier Day-Date II thanks to slimmer bezels, thinner lugs, and more slender profiles. 

Rolex watch oyster perpetual day date price

The Day-Date 40 also debuted a new-generation Caliber 3255 self-winding movement, which boosts power reserve up to 70 hours (compared to 42 hours) and provides enhanced precision and reliability. The Day-Date 40 is now the largest Rolex President watch in production, and command the highest prices in the secondary market. 

How much is Oyster Perpetual Day

Prices at a Glance: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date.

How much is a Rolex Date worth?

As of 2022, the least expensive Rolex Datejust is the 31mm reference 278240 in full stainless steel, which has an official retail price of $7,100, while the least expensive full-size model is the 36mm Datejust 126200, which costs $7,250 when purchased brand-new.

Does Rolex Day

The Day-Date has since become a coveted collector's watch, referred to by Rolex itself as “the ultimate status watch.” Several factors make the Day-Date a great investment piece. Day-Date watches are not cheap in any capacity – made in 18k gold or platinum, with price tags to match, giving them excellent resale value.

How can you tell if a Rolex Oyster Perpetual is real?

On the inner ring of the bezel, or the “rehaut”, of the real Rolex you can see engravings of the word “ROLEX” five times along both the right and left side, a tiny Rolex crown logo at the 12 o'clock, and the watch's serial number at 6 o'clock. On older Rolex watches, these details are laser-etched and not engraved.