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tennis playerSpotted December 2022

Tennis player Roger Federer spotted wearing a Rolex

tennis player Roger Federer spotted wearing a Rolex
Who & what: Rolex Day-Date 40 Everose Gold Olive Green Roman Dial President Bracelet Ref. 228235

Wimbledon's immaculate grass courts provided the backdrop for one of tennis history's most decorated champions, Roger Federer, stepping out in a Rolex Day-Date 40 in Everose gold — the brand's proprietary 18-carat rose gold alloy, formulated for superior fade resistance. The sighting places one of horology's most recognisable dress watches in a setting that, given Federer's storied relationship with Rolex, feels entirely natural.

The reference in question is the 228235, the 40mm successor to the historic 118235. Launched in 2015, the Day-Date 40 generation brought with it Rolex's in-house calibre 3255 — a movement featuring a Chronergy escapement, a 70-hour power reserve, and 14 patents. The fluted bezel in Everose gold, the hallmark presidential bracelet (often mistakenly described as a Jubilee by observers — the Day-Date wears the President bracelet), and that deeply saturated olive green sunray-finish dial with Roman numerals make this a particularly commanding configuration. The dial's warm, earthy tone interacts with the Everose case in a way that few Rolex colour pairings manage: complementary without being matchy.

Among collectors, the 228235 in olive green Roman dial occupies a specific tier. It is not an open-catalogue piece in practical terms — authorised dealer allocation remains highly constrained — which has pushed grey-market premiums well above retail. The combination of Everose gold, olive dial, and Roman numerals is considered one of the cleaner executions of the Day-Date 40, avoiding the visual busyness of diamond-set variants while retaining unmistakable presence.

Federer has been a Rolex brand ambassador since 2006, making his watch choices a matter of genuine public interest. His selections tend toward classical restraint — a Day-Date in precious metal fits his off-court persona precisely. Spotted at Wimbledon, a tournament where Federer claimed eight titles, the pairing of Swiss tennis excellence and Swiss watchmaking heritage reads as anything but accidental.

At retail, the Rolex Day-Date 40 ref. 228235 in Everose gold with olive dial lists at approximately $36,550 USD through authorised dealers. On the secondary market, the specific olive Roman dial configuration commands a significant premium, with grey-market transactions regularly landing between $52,000 and $60,000 — a reflection of both the model's desirability and the enduring strength of the Rolex Day-Date 40 market.

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