Rolex Day-Date 40 vs Tudor Clair de Rose
Ref. M228349RBR-0003 vs Ref. M35500-0001
The Rolex Day-Date 40 and Tudor Clair de Rose represent one of the most compelling matchups in luxury watches — a sibling rivalry between two brands under the same parent company. With the Rolex Day-Date 40 priced at $71,200 and the Tudor Clair de Rose at $2,950, the price gap raises a critical question: does the extra investment in the pricier option deliver proportional value? We break down the specs, market performance, and flip potential to help you decide.
Price Comparison
Rolex
Day-Date 40
Tudor
Clair de Rose
At retail, the Rolex Day-Date 40 is listed at $71,200 while the Tudor Clair de Rose comes in at $2,950. The Tudor Clair de Rose comes in at $68,250 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 Tudor Clair de Rose around $2,213, a difference of $72,547 favoring the Tudor Clair de Rose. Trading at 5% above retail and holding steady, this model holds its value well on the pre-owned market. The Tudor Clair de Rose shows a more modest market premium of -25.0%, though currently trending downward. For investors, the Rolex Day-Date 40 edges ahead with a flip potential score of 5/10 compared to 2/10.
Specifications
| Specification | Rolex Day-Date 40 | Tudor Clair de Rose |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 40mm | 34mm |
| Case Thickness | 12.4mm | 10mm |
| Case Material | 18ct white gold | Stainless steel |
| Bezel | 18ct white gold, set with diamonds | Stainless steel, polished |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Cyclops lens | Sapphire crystal |
| Water Resistance | 100m / 330ft | 100m / 330ft |
| Movement | Rolex calibre 3255 | Tudor Calibre T601 |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours | 38 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | President, three-piece semi-circular links | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Clasp | Concealed folding Crownclasp | Folding clasp with safety catch |
| Lug Width | 20mm | 18mm |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: the Rolex Day-Date 40 offers longer power reserve at 70 hours, and the Rolex Day-Date 40 uses 18ct white gold while the Tudor Clair de Rose opts for Stainless steel. 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 $65 for the Tudor Clair de Rose. For water resistance, the Tudor Clair de Rose delivers better value per meter of depth rating. The Tudor Clair de Rose offers more power reserve per dollar spent.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Rolex Day-Date 40 if you value stronger flip potential, better value retention. Go with the Tudor Clair de Rose if you prioritize a lower entry price. For pure investment potential, the Rolex Day-Date 40 has the edge based on current market data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, the Rolex Day-Date 40 or the Tudor Clair de Rose?
The Tudor Clair de Rose is more accessible, priced at $2,950 compared to $71,200.
Which watch is a better investment?
Based on current market data, the Rolex Day-Date 40 has a higher flip potential score of 5/10, suggesting stronger investment returns. However, watch values can fluctuate based on market conditions.
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Rolex Day-Date 40 currently trades at 5.0% above retail, indicating strong value retention on the pre-owned market.
How do the Rolex Day-Date 40 and Tudor Clair de Rose compare in size?
The Rolex Day-Date 40 measures 40mm in diameter and 12.4mm thick, while the Tudor Clair de Rose is 34mm by 10mm.
What movements do these watches use?
The Rolex Day-Date 40 uses the Rolex calibre 3255 with 70 hours power reserve, while the Tudor Clair de Rose runs on the Tudor Calibre T601 offering 38 hours of power reserve.