Day-Date 40

Ref. 228238

Case diameter: 40 mm; Manufacturer spec
Lug-to-lug: 47 mm; Measured in a published review
Thickness: 12 mm; Measured in a published review
Lug width: 21 mm; Measured in a published review

Retail price $50,400 (US, Oct 2026)

Your wristIdeal fit

Wrist flat: 55.1 mmLug-to-lug: 47 mm

How the Day-Date 40 wears

Its lugs add 7 mm to the 40 mm case, close to the 7.1 mm typical across the almanac, so its diameter is a fair guide to how it wears.

On our fit model it sits best on wrists from 6.5" to 7.75" (16.5–19.7 cm); below 6.5" the lugs start to reach the edge of the wrist.

At 12 mm thick it is thicker than 75% of the 56 other dress watches we've measured, so expect it to sit tall on the wrist.

Its 21 mm lug width is one of the most common strap sizes; 28 other watches here share it, so aftermarket straps are easy to find.

Will the Day-Date 40 fit your wrist?

With a 47 mm lug-to-lug, here is how it wears across common wrist sizes. We estimate the flat top of each wrist from its circumference; measure yours for a closer answer in the fit finder.

Wrist	Flat width (est.)	Fit
6"	47.2 mm	Lugs overhang
6.5"	51.2 mm	Ideal fit
7"	55.1 mm	Ideal fit
7.5"	59.1 mm	Ideal fit
8"	63 mm	Wears small

Specifications

Reference: 228238
Collection: Day-Date
Status: In production
Introduced: 2015
Case material: 18k yellow gold
Crystal: sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m
Bezel: fluted
Dial: white (varies by variant)
Strap / bracelet: President bracelet, semi-circular three-piece links, concealed Crownclasp
Style: Dress

Movement

Caliber: Rolex 3255
Type: automatic
Power reserve: 70 hours
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Jewels: 31
Accuracy: -2/+2 s/day (Superlative Chronometer)

Takes 21 mm straps. See other 21 mm watches and straps.

More Day-Date references

RolexDay-Date 36128238
Case
36 mm
Lug-to-lug
—
Thick
—

Watches that wear the same size

Other watches within 1.5 mm of its lug-to-lug.

Same 21 mm lug width

All 21 mm watches

These take the same straps as the Day-Date 40.