A legendary timepiece with iconic history, the Rolex Day-Date has earned the title of the "Watch of Prestige", and for good reason. First unveiled in 1956, it swiftly became the preferred choice for athletes, visionaries, and global leaders, leading to its enduring moniker 'the President.' This nickname persists even today, as the watch continues to serve as Rolex's flagship offering with its luxurious construction and timeless design.
Constructed entirely of platinum, this Day-Date 40 Ref. 228206 that I have here features the iconic three-piece link "Presidential" bracelet, fitted onto a modern 40mm case with a sleek and smooth bezel. Introduced in 2016, this Ref. 228206 houses an elusive ice blue, sunburst dial (like on other platinum Rolex watches) adorned with an Eastern Arabic day wheel and hour markers.
If you haven’t realized, this is a very special Rolex, and to emphasize how special this Arabic dial is, we need to journey back in time to the late 1960s when Rolex first began offering these unique Arabic dial configurations. Their rapid rise in popularity prompted Rolex to embark on extensive experimentation in the following decades, resulting in a diverse array of combinations involving dial colours, hour markers, and various metals for the case and bracelet. It is also worth mentioning that some of the most special examples that came out from this period include the Ref. 1803 'Alladin's Rose', which features a tappisserie guilloché dial, a unique feature not found on any other models, and the famous Ref. 1804 'Scheherazade' with an Arabic date wheel, hour markers, platinum case, and a factory-set diamond bezel, which was offered and sold in a recent 2021 auction. Today, there is a significant following for these Arabic dials among the most discerning Rolex collectors, spanning across vintage or modern examples.
Powering it from within is Rolex’s in-house Cal. 3255, a self-winding, COSC-certified (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) movement. Introduced by Rolex in 2015 to replace the Cal. 3155 used in its Day-Date range, this movement continues to be utilized to this day. In terms of power reserve, the Cal. 3255 can hold a charge for up to 70 hours on a full wind.
In terms of aesthetics, I’d say that the Ref. 228206 may not immediately strike you as the flashiest Rolex, especially if that's what you're seeking. However, I believe it's precisely this understated quality that makes the Ref. 228206 a truly exceptional example of a Day-Date. With its substantial platinum case and rare ice blue ‘Arabic’ dial configuration, it offers a unique combination that flies under the radar, and yet, speaks volumes in its own right. I've previously expressed a similar sentiment in a listing for a platinum Daytona; platinum Rolex watches hold a special place in my mind. While I often highlight that white gold is the discreetly luxurious metal of choice, opting for platinum, if possible, adds an extra level of distinction. In my view, it effortlessly evades unwanted attention while exuding an understated sense of exclusivity. Moreover, each time you wear it, the weight of the platinum case and bracelet serves as a constant reminder that this is no ordinary contemporary Day-Date—it's truly something extraordinary.
It is also worth noting that although the production of this Ref. 228206 isn't limited, this particular model is an off-catalogue piece, meaning that it is not advertised by Rolex and is only available to purchase upon request. It is extremely hard to be allocated a piece and this particular example was sold to the the Ministry of Presidential Affairs in the UAE. It is also worth noting that Rolex only sells these Arabic dialled 228206’s to select dealers in the Middle East. It is, without a doubt one of the most desirable modern Rolexes.
