Pre-Owned Rolex Day-Date in Athens

Buying a pre-owned Rolex Day-Date in Athens

Start with the generation, because the crown tells you which one you are holding. The 1803 has no quickset: day and date change only when you turn the hands past midnight. The 18038, introduced in 1977 with a sapphire crystal and calibre 3055, sets the date from the crown but not the day. The 18238, from 1988, brought calibre 3155 and a double quickset, and the 118238, introduced in 2000, kept that calibre in a redesigned 36 mm case with broader, fully polished lugs, on a President bracelet with solid rather than hollow links.

The 41 mm Day-Date II (2008 to 2015) used calibre 3156. The Day-Date 40 of 2015 and the 36 mm 128xxx generation of 2019 both run on calibre 3255, with about 70 hours of power reserve. If the setting behaviour does not match the reference, ask why.

Metal comes next. On the Day-Date 40 and 128xxx references the last digit names it: 8 for yellow gold, 9 white gold, 5 Everose, 6 platinum. From 2022 the platinum 228236 came with a fluted platinum bezel, which makes it hard to tell from the white gold 228239 by eye. Confirm platinum from the reference and papers.

• Run the watch through midnight. On calibre 3255 the day and date should change together, instantly, with both discs centred in their windows. Rolex has offered the day disc in 26 languages since 1973, so check it is the one you expect.
• Look at the President bracelet from the side. The hollow-link bracelets of the five-digit era are the most prone to stretch, the 118xxx has solid links, and Day-Date 40 and 128xxx bracelets have ceramic inserts. The concealed Crownclasp should close firmly.
• Solid gold and platinum are soft. Rounded lug edges, thinned lugs or a softened fluted bezel point to heavy polishing.
• Dial, bezel and diamonds should be factory. Aftermarket diamond work must be disclosed, and Rolex's guarantee does not cover a watch materially modified with non-genuine parts.
• Match the serial with the guarantee card. Older references carry it between the lugs at 6 o'clock, and later generations on the engraved rehaut, so check the right place for the generation you are buying.

Rolex Day-Date questions

Does a pre-owned Day-Date still carry the Rolex guarantee?

Yes, if the Day-Date is still within its guarantee period and has its card. The guarantee runs from the original sale, is valid only if an Official Rolex Retailer sold the watch and completed the card, and lasts five years on Superlative Chronometer pieces. As independent specialists we cannot issue it. Whoever you buy from, check that the reference and serial on the card match the watch.

Can I sell or trade in my Day-Date in Athens?

Yes. We buy Day-Dates outright and take them in part exchange. Send photos and the reference on WhatsApp at +30 697 546 1445 for a first view, then book a time at Spyrou Merkouri 4, Pangrati, any day 09:00 to 18:00. Photos are a starting point; reference, calibre and condition are confirmed with the watch in hand.

For more detail, read our guide to buying a Rolex Day-Date and our article on the Rolex Day-Date 18038. To sell or trade in a watch, see selling a Rolex in Athens, and for servicing with original parts and a written 2-year service warranty, visit our Athens watch workshop.