Rolex Day-Date 40 vs Rolex Submariner Date
Ref. M228235-0055 vs Ref. M126619LB-0003
The Rolex Day-Date 40 and Rolex Submariner Date both carry the Rolex name but serve different purposes — the Rolex Day-Date 40 as a dress watch and the Rolex Submariner Date as a dive watch. At $42,050 and $47,200 respectively, the question isn't which is better — it's which better fits your collection and investment goals.
Price Comparison
Rolex
Day-Date 40
Rolex
Submariner Date
At retail, the Rolex Day-Date 40 is listed at $42,050 while the Rolex Submariner Date comes in at $47,200. The Rolex Day-Date 40 saves you $5,150 (12% less), a meaningful difference for most buyers. On the secondary market, the gap narrows: the Rolex Day-Date 40 trades around $42,000 and the Rolex Submariner Date around $45,000, a difference of $3,000 favoring the Rolex Day-Date 40. Currently holding steady at just 0% below retail, this watch retains most of its value on the secondary market. The Rolex Submariner Date shows a more modest market premium of -4.7%, holding steady. Both watches score equally on flip potential at 4/10, making neither a clear investment winner over the other.
Specifications
| Specification | Rolex Day-Date 40 | Rolex Submariner Date |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 40mm | 41mm |
| Case Thickness | 12.4mm | 12.5mm |
| Case Material | 18ct Everose gold | 18ct white gold |
| Bezel | 18ct Everose gold, fluted | Cerachrom (ceramic) in blue |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Cyclops lens | Sapphire with Cyclops lens |
| Water Resistance | 100m / 330ft | 300m / 1000ft |
| Movement | Rolex calibre 3255 | Rolex calibre 3235 |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours | 70 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | President, three-piece semi-circular links | Oyster, three-piece solid links in 18ct white gold |
| Clasp | Concealed folding Crownclasp | Oysterlock safety clasp with Glidelock extension system |
| Lug Width | 20mm | 21mm |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: The Rolex Submariner Date leads in water resistance (300m / 1000ft vs. 100m / 330ft), and the Rolex Day-Date 40 uses 18ct Everose gold while the Rolex Submariner Date opts for 18ct white gold. With 6 notable spec differences in total, the choice depends on which features matter most to your use case.
Value Per Feature
Per millimeter of case diameter, the Rolex Day-Date 40 costs $1,050 versus $1,098 for the Rolex Submariner Date. For water resistance, the Rolex Submariner Date delivers better value per meter of depth rating. The Rolex Day-Date 40 offers more power reserve per dollar spent.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Rolex Day-Date 40 if you value a lower entry price, better value retention. Go with the Rolex Submariner Date if you prioritize serious diving capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, the Rolex Day-Date 40 or the Rolex Submariner Date?
The Rolex Day-Date 40 is more accessible, priced at $42,050 compared to $47,200.
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Rolex Day-Date 40 currently trades at 0.1% below retail, indicating moderate value retention on the pre-owned market.
How do the Rolex Day-Date 40 and Rolex Submariner Date compare in size?
The Rolex Day-Date 40 measures 40mm in diameter and 12.4mm thick, while the Rolex Submariner Date is 41mm by 12.5mm. Water resistance differs too: 100m / 330ft versus 300m / 1000ft.
What movements do these watches use?
The Rolex Day-Date 40 uses the Rolex calibre 3255 with 70 hours power reserve, while the Rolex Submariner Date runs on the Rolex calibre 3235 offering 70 hours of power reserve.