Rolex Day-Date 40 - Modernizing a Classic

[Eric Chan]

A call was placed by my contact at the AD earlier this afternoon advising they received their initial shipment of the Day-Date 40. Naturally, the need to see it kicked in and needless to say a visit was paid to him late this afternoon.

In their possession was a yellow gold, Everose gold and platinum model. After spending some time with these marvellous pieces, it can be said that they are truly stunning and amazing works of art. Rolex outdid themselves with the DD 40. For those who feel (I am not one of them) the DD II was disproportionate, should be more than satisfied with the proportions of the DD 40. As much as I liked the DD II, the DD 40 looks that much better and arguably is as classic looking as the DD.

The DD 40 is the perfect re-interpretation of the legendary and classic DD. It's size is appropriate for current times where many prefer larger watches. It does wear large on the wrist, but is re-styled in a way that is not too over-bearing and should fit most wrist sizes nicely. No one can predict the future, but personally, I feel the DD 40 is hear to stay. Costs for the YG and RG model are as follows:

228238: $40,050 CAD
228235: $43,150 CAD

I thought it would be nice to see a side-by-side comparison between the DD, DD 40 and the DD II. The DD II shown below was the only one the AD had left in stock in YG. It would have been preferable to photograph one without a diamond bezel as the diamonds make the bezel seem larger than it really is. The DD on the left is mine. The combination of questionable lighting at the AD and the I Phone camera unfortunately does no do these watches justice. Sorry.

Additional photos will be posted tomorrow.