Rolex 228235

Rolex

Ref. 228235

Watch n° 16 for number of VIPs spotted with this watch
Rolex n° 8 for number of VIPs spotted with this watch
Number of VIPs spotted with this watch: 31
Number of total spotted: 32
Preferred VIP category: basketball player (7 VIPs)
List price: $41,500
Market price: $60,000

The Rolex 228235 Day-Date 40 in 18K Everose gold has become a fixture on the wrists of professional athletes across multiple disciplines. NBA guards Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving have been spotted with the reference, while Joel Embiid and Carmelo Anthony represent the watch's appeal to basketball's elite. Beyond the court, mixed martial artists including Conor McGregor and Paddy 'The Baddy' Pimblett have worn the 228235, with Pimblett's olive green dial variant drawing particular attention at UFC press conferences. Footballers Paulo Dybala and Tyrell Malacia, along with American football player Victor Cruz, demonstrate the watch's cross-sport credibility. The reference also resonates heavily in hip-hop and entertainment circles, favored by rappers Stormzy, Rick Ross, Future, Davido, and Lazza, as well as singer The Weeknd. This diverse roster—from boardroom entrepreneurs like Philipp Plein to entertainers like Hailey Rhode Baldwin—speaks to the 228235's status as a dress watch that transcends traditional formality, functioning equally well at a UFC weigh-in or a red carpet event.

The Day-Date 40 ref. 228235 remains difficult to secure at retail, with waitlists extending years at authorized dealers. Secondary market pricing reflects strong demand, with the Everose variants commanding particular premiums. The olive green dial combination worn by Pimblett has become especially sought-after, driving further collector interest. This scarcity reinforces the watch's appeal among high-net-worth individuals across sports, music, and business.

Powered by Rolex's Cal. 3255 movement, the 228235 carries the brand's perpetual rotor and 70-hour power reserve. The Day-Date's "President" bracelet remains iconic, though the Everose gold case gives the reference a warmer aesthetic than traditional yellow gold versions. No single celebrity "popularized" the 228235 so much as the reference became a natural choice for those seeking Rolex's most refined sports-adjacent offering.