The Rolex Day-Date 36 reference 128238-0106, popularly known as the Emoji Puzzle, is a 36mm luxury watch crafted from 18k yellow gold. This model features a signature fluted bezel and the iconic three-piece link President bracelet, which is secured by a concealed folding Crownclasp. The timepiece is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating and a screw-down Twinlock crown, ensuring a water resistance rating of 100 meters. Its most defining characteristic is the champleve enamel dial, which displays a vibrant multi-colored jigsaw puzzle motif. This artistic face is further accented by ten baguette-cut sapphire hour markers in six different hues, arranged to harmonize with the colorful puzzle pieces.
The watch is powered by the in-house caliber 3255 self-winding movement, a COSC-certified superlative chronometer that offers approximately 70 hours of power reserve. This reference introduces an unconventional interpretation of the traditional Day-Date complications. Instead of displaying the day of the week, the arc-shaped aperture at 12 o’clock reveals a rotating selection of seven inspirational words, including Happy, Eternity, Gratitude, Peace, Faith, Love, and Hope. Similarly, the date window at 3 o’clock is replaced by a cycle of 31 unique emojis, such as a heart, a smiley face, and a four-leaf clover, providing a playful and ever-changing interface for the wearer.
General reviews of the 128238-0106 often highlight its departure from Rolex’s typically conservative design language, describing it as a whimsical and lighthearted take on a prestigious classic. While enthusiasts praise the high-quality finishing of the cloisonne enamel and the gemstone intrigue of the sapphire indices, critics sometimes note that the busy puzzle motif and lack of traditional calendars may limit its versatility. Despite its “off-catalog” status and limited availability, the model is highly regarded by collectors for its unique merger of artistic expression and traditional craftsmanship, often trading at a significant premium over its suggested retail price.