Slate Ombré Dial for Rolex Day-Date 40 Unveiled During 2024 Oscars
Rolex typically releases a handful of television commercials each year, mostly for prestigious events like major sports tournaments, etc. Some of them are pretty cheesy, calling their watches things like “the truest expression of life itself.” But the Rolex ad shown during the 2024 Oscars was actually pretty badass. It was just a montage of movie and television scenes featuring actors with Rolexes, and at the end it showed a new Day-Date 40 dial option: a slate ombré dial for ref. 228235.
As a proud sponsor of the Oscars, Rolex even provided the “vegetal décor of the 2024 Greenroom.” They also took out an ad in the New York Times to show off the new slate ombré dial. Here are our thoughts on it.
Why is the Slate Ombré Dial Noteworthy?
This new slate ombré dial is notable for a few reasons:
- This is the first ombré dial for a 40mm model. Previously, ombré dials were exclusive to the Day-Date 36.
- This is the first ombré dial without diamonds.
- No chapter ring! Previous Day-Date 40’s with Roman numerals had a “railroad track” marking the minutes around the edge of the dial.
- Rolex rarely releases new watches outside of Watches and Wonders.
On display in the Greenroom is the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 in 18 ct Everose gold with a slate ombré dial. A watch of great prestige, the Day-Date has only ever been made from precious metals and is instantly recognizable, partially thanks to its emblematic President bracelet.
Newsroom.rolex.com
What is an Ombré Dial?
An ombré dial is colored in the middle, and gradually fades to black towards the edge. On vintage Rolexes, dials like this are called vignette dials (aka dégradé dials) but Rolex has been using the term “ombré” since 2019.
Is This Dial Hard to Get?
Well, since ref. 228235 starts at a list price of $43,200, the pool of potential buyers for a slate ombré dial is much smaller than that of a simple steel Oyster Perpetual or Datejust. You shouldn’t spend too much time on a Rolex waiting list if you request it soon. Generally, secondhand Rolex Day-Date prices are under list price for all but the rarest/hottest models.
When Did the Slate Ombré Dial Hit Stores?
The first one I saw appeared in September 2024. Usually, it takes a few months for newly announced Rolex models to hit the shelves, and this one was no exception. No surprise–it looks great.
More on Rolex:
Rolex Sales at All-Time High in 2023 as Tudor Sales Decline: Report
Platinum Rolex Watch Prices: A Collector’s Guide
What is the Rolex Pepsi?
The Best Rolex Day-Date Alternatives
Can You Get a Rolex Under $1,000?
