If existing Rolex precious metal options are not enough for you, the famous Swiss luxury watchmaker has introduced a new 18-carat gold alloy developed at its own foundry.
Now, in addition to 18-carat yellow gold, 18-carat Everose (rose) gold, 18-carat white gold, and 950 platinum, Rolex has added a new gold option called Jubilee gold. The company keeps the exact composition of this alloy secret, but it is important to know that it's a new shade of gold that can be described as "pale gold." Some also call it "old gold" because the tone resembles faded gold alloys over time. It's clear that Rolex is inspired by the popularity of vintage gold watch aesthetics. Jubilee gold will likely appear in other Rolex models in the future, but as of 2026, this alloy is available exclusively in reference 228235 JG - Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40. Can this model be considered a "must-have" for the Rolex President collection in 2026?
Jubilee gold - Rolex's Innovation in Gold
Before Rolex introduced the new alloy to the Onewatch team at Watches & Wonders Geneva 2026, I even dreamed of this gold. Thinking about potential Rolex novelties this year, I assumed the brand might follow the example of manufacturers like A. Lange & Söhne and Breguet, who released their own pale gold alloys in recent years. However, Rolex always acts in its own way - the company developed a unique gold formula within its own production, as it melts gold at its own foundry. The new gold alloy is precisely the type of innovation Rolex prefers, allowing the brand to offer something new without significantly changing its core products.
Jubilee gold is close to yellow gold but noticeably lighter. It can be considered an intermediate shade between yellow and rose gold. The color is best appreciated in person, as it may slightly change depending on lighting conditions (a common trait for most gold alloys). The name "Jubilee gold" makes sense, given that "Jubilee" is a common term in Rolex and denotes a style of five-link bracelet typically paired with Datejust and some GMT Master-II models.
However, this term is not as straightforward as, for example, "Oyster Steel" or "Everose gold," which immediately convey a sense of color. "Jubilee gold" without additional context could mean anything. Nevertheless, Rolex might disagree with this. Strictly speaking, "jubilee" means anniversary or celebration. As mentioned earlier, the new gold shade is inspired by the appearance of faded vintage gold. Perhaps Rolex uses the term "Jubilee gold" to highlight the vintage character of the color. This is merely a guess, as company representatives have not disclosed details about the alloy's name.
Rolex Day-Date 40 - A Flagship Model with History and Status
Often called the "Rolex President," the Day-Date watch (the current version being the Day-Date 40) is one of the brand's most iconic and recognizable models. As the name suggests, the case diameter is 40 mm, and water resistance reaches 100 meters (standard Oyster). The wide bracelet visually increases the size of the watch. The classic Day-Date design includes a flat sapphire crystal with a magnifying "Cyclops" lens over the date window for easy reading. There's also a large window displaying the full name of the day of the week at the 12 o'clock position on the dial.
This model has always been positioned as a more "prestigious" version of the Datejust (which displays only time and date). To preserve its status, Rolex produces the Day-Date 40 exclusively from precious materials - platinum and various shades of gold. While the Datejust might feature a similar 18-carat gold fluted bezel, most models contain steel in the case (even if they are two-tone Rolesor versions - a combination of gold and steel). This protects the status of the Day-Date President, allowing owners to be confident that their watch is made of precious metals and not questioned by others.
Style and Functionality: Features of the Rolex President
For several years, the Rolex President was popular but not particularly valued by collectors. This is understandable, as the model does not fit into traditional stylistic categories (diver, racing, pilot, or classic watches). These are sporty watches with jewelry elements, aimed at showcasing status and luxury rather than utility.
Nevertheless, the Day-Date President is not only a status accessory but also a very balanced watch. They might seem "boring" in terms of certain wearing scenarios, but they excel in many aspects, including readability, reliability, and value. Despite the high price of the modern Day-Date 40 model, it often surpasses competitors in the fully gold watch segment in terms of price and quality ratio. If I had the means for a gold watch, the Rolex Day-Date 40 would be at the top of my list.
Model Choice: Dial and Diamonds in the New Jubilee gold Version
After deciding to purchase a Rolex President, choosing the model becomes more complicated due to the many dial color and design options. I personally recommend focusing on models with diamond hour markers and an interesting dial. In this regard, Rolex did not disappoint with the new Day-Date 40 Jubilee gold 228235 JG. The dial is adorned with magnificent baguette diamond hour markers - they are easy to read and elegantly set.
The main dial color is green, which corresponds to the brand's signature color but with a unique texture, as it is "green aventurine." Although most aventurine is not a natural stone (for example, blue aventurine is often synthetic), it is not a fundamental issue for me, as most Rolex dials are created for beauty. The emerald shade of the green dial perfectly matches the "tones of gentle yellow, warm gray, and soft pink," as Rolex describes the shade of Jubilee gold.
Movement and Technical Specifications of the Rolex Day-Date 40 Jubilee gold
Inside the model is the proprietary Swiss automatic caliber Rolex 3255 with "Superlative Chronometer" certification. The movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hz, has a power reserve of about 70 hours, and guarantees accuracy within ±2 seconds per day. This caliber is distinguished by its stability and reliability, and Rolex has been producing it in various modifications for many decades.
Although the company is gradually offering watches with transparent case backs (for example, special versions of the Cosmograph Daytona), the Day-Date 40 is equipped with a traditional solid gold back. This is not an issue - the space on the back can be used for personal engraving, which will remind the owner of the reasons for acquiring such a significant accessory.
Photography Features and Release Prospects of Jubilee gold
In the photos, the color of the gold appears slightly different. One photo option is warmer due to the yellow tint of the lighting in the Rolex room, making Jubilee gold more similar to yellow gold. This clearly demonstrates how ambient light affects the perception of metal color. I try to adjust the color in my photos to avoid distortions due to artificial lighting. In my opinion, my photos more accurately convey the real shades of gold and the green dial.
Rolex will gradually expand the range of Jubilee gold items, but the Day-Date 40 228235 JG model will remain rare with a limited edition. Initially, the watches were presented on the official website, but now mentions of them are found only in the "exclusive" novelties section of Watches & Wonders Geneva 2026. This may mean that Rolex considers this model "out of catalog," available only to select clients. In the first years after release, interest in Jubilee gold will undoubtedly be high until the brand ramps up production. If I had the means and desire to purchase a fully gold watch, the Rolex President Jubilee gold with diamond hour markers and green aventurine dial would be an excellent choice. The price of the 228235 JG Rolex Day-Date 40 Jubilee Gold is $62,700 USD.