Pre-owned Rolex Day-Date: UK prices and what to check
The Day-Date, often called the 'President', shows the day spelled out across the top of the dial and is only made in gold or platinum. Buying one pre-owned in the UK is safest through Rolex Certified Pre-Owned at an authorised dealer, or a marketplace with escrow and authentication; below are the references, what to check on this model, and where to look.
Updated 6 Nov 2026. Watches aren't investments; prices fall as well as rise.
New vs pre-owned
Rolex doesn't publish UK prices online; ask an authorised dealer.
UK pre-owned price index coming soon.
References
| Ref | Made | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 228238 | 2015– | 40mm, yellow gold, calibre 3255 |
| 128238 | 2019– | 36mm, yellow gold, calibre 3255 |
| 118238 | 2000–2019 | 36mm, yellow gold |
Why people buy it
The Day-Date, often called the 'President', shows the day spelled out across the top of the dial and is only made in gold or platinum. It is Rolex's flagship dress watch.
What to check on a pre-owned Day-Date
- Metal: genuine Day-Dates are solid gold or platinum, never steel. Check hallmarks and that the weight feels right.
- President bracelet: the semi-circular links stretch with wear; check for sagging.
- Day wheel: the day can be shown in many languages. Check it changes cleanly at midnight along with the date.
- Dial: there are many dial variants, some gem-set; aftermarket diamonds reduce value and void the Rolex guarantee.
- Case polish: gold is soft and polishes away quickly; check the lugs and fluted bezel.
- Papers and serial: the serial on the papers should match the watch.
More on buying safely: our pre-owned guide.
Where to buy
Dealer links may earn us a commission; it never decides what we recommend.
Questions
How much is a pre-owned Rolex Day-Date in the UK?
It depends on the reference, condition, and whether it has its box and papers. We're building a UK pre-owned price index from authenticated listings; until then, compare like-for-like listings on Chrono24 and eBay's Authenticity Guarantee.
Is it safe to buy a Rolex Day-Date pre-owned?
It can be, if you buy from an authorised pre-owned programme, an established dealer, or a marketplace that holds your money in escrow and authenticates the watch. Check the serial against the papers, ask for service history, and never pay a stranger by bank transfer.
What should I check before buying a used Day-Date?
Metal: genuine Day-Dates are solid gold or platinum, never steel. Check hallmarks and that the weight feels right. President bracelet: the semi-circular links stretch with wear; check for sagging. Day wheel: the day can be shown in many languages. Check it changes cleanly at midnight along with the date.
Does a pre-owned Rolex Day-Date hold its value?
Some models have sold above their new price for long spells, but watches aren't investments: prices fall as well as rise. Buy one because you want to wear it.
What is Rolex Certified Pre-Owned?
Rolex's own pre-owned programme: second-hand Rolex watches checked by an authorised dealer under Rolex's rules and sold with a Rolex guarantee. In the UK, authorised dealers including Goldsmiths and Mappin & Webb sell them. They cost more than a typical private sale, but you know what you're getting.