Rolex Day-Date 40 vs Rolex Rolex Deepsea
Ref. M228349RBR-0003 vs Ref. M136660-0005
Comparing the Rolex Rolex Deepsea to the Rolex Day-Date 40 means weighing a significant price difference — is the premium justified? At $71,200 versus $15,200, these two watches serve different segments of the market. Here's how they stack up on specifications, value retention, and investment potential.
Price Comparison
Rolex
Day-Date 40
Rolex
Rolex Deepsea
At retail, the Rolex Day-Date 40 is listed at $71,200 while the Rolex Rolex Deepsea comes in at $15,200. The Rolex Rolex Deepsea comes in at $56,000 less — more than half the price difference — making it a significantly more accessible option. On the secondary market, the gap widens: the Rolex Day-Date 40 trades around $74,760 and the Rolex Rolex Deepsea around $16,500, a difference of $58,260 favoring the Rolex Rolex Deepsea. Trading at 5% above retail and holding steady, this model holds its value well on the pre-owned market. The Rolex Rolex Deepsea commands an even stronger market premium of +8.6%, holding steady. Both watches score equally on flip potential at 5/10, making neither a clear investment winner over the other.
Specifications
| Specification | Rolex Day-Date 40 | Rolex Rolex Deepsea |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 40mm | 44mm |
| Case Thickness | 12.4mm | 17.7mm |
| Case Material | 18ct white gold | Oystersteel |
| Bezel | 18ct white gold, set with diamonds | Cerachrom (ceramic) in black |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Cyclops lens | Sapphire, 5.5mm thick |
| Water Resistance | 100m / 330ft | 3900m / 12800ft |
| 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 |
| Clasp | Concealed folding Crownclasp | Oysterlock safety clasp with Fliplock extension and Glidelock extension system |
| Lug Width | 20mm | 22mm |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: The Rolex Rolex Deepsea leads in water resistance (3900m / 12800ft vs. 100m / 330ft), and the Rolex Day-Date 40 uses 18ct white gold while the Rolex Rolex Deepsea opts for Oystersteel. With 7 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 $1,869 versus $375 for the Rolex Rolex Deepsea. For water resistance, the Rolex Rolex Deepsea delivers better value per meter of depth rating. The Rolex Rolex Deepsea offers more power reserve per dollar spent.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Rolex Day-Date 40 if you value the Rolex heritage. Go with the Rolex Rolex Deepsea if you prioritize a lower entry price, better value retention, serious diving capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, the Rolex Day-Date 40 or the Rolex Rolex Deepsea?
The Rolex Rolex Deepsea is more accessible, priced at $15,200 compared to $71,200.
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Rolex Rolex Deepsea currently trades at 8.6% above retail, indicating strong value retention on the pre-owned market.
How do the Rolex Day-Date 40 and Rolex Rolex Deepsea compare in size?
The Rolex Day-Date 40 measures 40mm in diameter and 12.4mm thick, while the Rolex Rolex Deepsea is 44mm by 17.7mm. Water resistance differs too: 100m / 330ft versus 3900m / 12800ft.
What movements do these watches use?
The Rolex Day-Date 40 uses the Rolex calibre 3255 with 70 hours power reserve, while the Rolex Rolex Deepsea runs on the Rolex calibre 3235 offering 70 hours of power reserve.