The platinum Day-Date 40 with the ice blue dial comes in two versions, and this is the diamond one. VS Factory (VSF) builds it as the same 228236 reference, but with baguette-cut markers instead of the deconstructed Roman numerals. The ice blue stays the same, still the platinum-only color, but the baguettes make it read a little brighter and more dressed up than the Roman version.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Factory | VS Factory (VSF) |
| Reference | 228236 (Day-Date 40, platinum) |
| Movement | Dandong 3255 (DD3255) automatic, day-date |
| Power reserve | 72 hours |
| Case | 40mm, 904L steel, platinum PVD plated |
| Bezel | Fluted, platinum plated |
| Dial | Ice blue sunburst, baguette-cut diamond markers |
| Bracelet | President, polished center links, concealed Crownclasp |
The dial. Ice blue sunburst with baguette-cut diamond simulants set in place of the Roman numerals. The stones are simulated, but the baguette shape and placement follow the genuine platinum reference. Ice blue is the color Rolex keeps exclusive to platinum, so the dial is doing most of the work in telling this one apart from the steel and gold Day-Dates.
The movement. The DD3255, a true clone of the modern Rolex caliber. Day and date jump instantly at midnight, and the reserve is a solid 72 hours. The architecture mirrors the genuine movement rather than sitting on a decorative plate.
The bezel. Fluted, and the point worth noting is that this is a recent change for platinum. Platinum is hard to machine, so for years these came with smooth bezels. VSF finishes the fluted bezel in 904L with a vacuum plating meant to match the bright, cold look of solid 950 platinum, which runs cooler than white gold.
The bracelet. President bracelet, semi-circular three-piece links, polished centers and satin-brushed outer links. The concealed Crownclasp keeps the bracelet running as one continuous band.
The takeaway. This is the platinum ice blue Day-Date 40 with the baguette diamond dial, and VS Factory (VSF) got the two things that define it right: the ice blue sunburst that Rolex reserves for platinum, and the fluted bezel that's new to the platinum lineup. Genuine reference, so no fantasy caveat. If you want the same platinum piece as the Roman version but with the dial dressed up in baguettes, this is the one.