The Rolex Datejust isn’t only a watch, it’s the watch. Not as dressy because the President or the Cellini, nor as overtly sporty because the Submariner or Daytona, the Datejust is the proper combine of favor and substance – with sufficient selection in dimension, supplies, and configurations to be the one watch you ever want.
Because the model’s best-selling watch of all time, the Rolex Datejust set new requirements in 1945 which can be nonetheless adhered to at this time. A basic, timeless instance of the model’s dedication to sophistication and performance, the Datejust is the proper companion for on a regular basis life, but hanging sufficient to all the time be seen and admired. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for the perfect on a regular basis companion, a timeless basic so as to add to your assortment, or just a timepiece that may final a lifetime, you’re certain to seek out precisely what you’re on the lookout for in a Rolex Datejust.
The Rolex Datejust
Datejust Quick Details:
– First launched in 1945.
– Rolex’s best-selling watch of all time.
– Launched to have a good time Rolex’s 40th anniversary.
– First self-winding chronometer wristwatch to point the date by means of a window on the dial.
– Out there in all kinds of various sizes (26mm – 41mm).
– Rolex’s most various assortment of watches.
– Worn by numerous world leaders and celebrities.
Click here for our Ultimate Buying Guide on the Rolex Datejust.
Rolex Datejust Key Options
There are just a few key options of the Rolex Datejust that everybody ought to learn about when researching this timepiece.
A Waterproof Oyster case
The Rolex Oyster case was first developed in 1926 because the world’s first actually waterproof watch case. Not solely did this invention revolutionize the trade, but it surely cemented the transformation of the wristwatch from a fragile style merchandise largely worn by girls, into an important and utilitarian accent that may very well be worn daily. Since its inception, the Rolex Datejust has all the time featured the model’s Oyster case, which is famend for not solely its water-resistance however its capability to reliably defend the watch’s inside actions from on a regular basis put on and even bodily demanding sports activities or professions.
A screw-down Twinlock winding crown
The Oyster case’s capability to stop water from leaking into the motion was thanks partially to its screw-down winding crown. Fashionable variations of the Datejust use the model’s Twinlock crown, which incorporates two units of O-ring gaskets – one underneath the crown to push towards the case tube to create a wall towards outdoors moisture, the second contained in the tube surrounding the winding stem as a second layer of safety.
A date window at three o’clock
The Rolex Datejust was the world’s first self-winding chronometer wristwatch to incorporate an mechanically altering date mechanism on its dial. Nonetheless, the date mechanism within the early Datejust fashions didn’t have the know-how required to alter the date instantaneously at midnight. As an alternative, these early Datejust watches slowly converted, very similar to the date shows discovered on many different non-Rolex watches at this time. The brand new mechanism that was launched within the 1950s allowed the date to right away leap to the brand new date on the stroke of midnight and at this time, this characteristic stays certainly one of Datejust’s most defining traits.
A Cyclops magnification lens on the crystal
In 1953, nearly a decade after it was first launched, Rolex added a bubble-like Cyclops magnification lens to the outside of the crystal to enlarge the date show that sits at Three-o’clock. Again then, this lens (together with the remainder of the crystal) was made out of acrylic. As we speak, the Cyclops lens that sits on prime of the scratch-resistant sapphire can also be made out of artificial sapphire.
An automated motion (aside from Oysterquartz variations)
Apart from the quartz variants of the Datejust that are often called Oysterquartz fashions, what defines the Rolex Datejust is its dependable automated motion. Through the years, Rolex has upgraded the self-winding motion contained in the Datejust with every new iteration enhancing upon the final, with the present model being the Caliber 3235 that may be discovered inside the trendy 36mm and 41mm variations at this time. Even the smallest girls’s sizes, such because the 26mm Woman-Datejust mannequin characteristic automatic-winding actions.
Rolex Datejust: The Watch That Modified Historical past
Launched in 1945 to have a good time the 40th anniversary of Rolex, the Datejust was constructed to be an icon with a timeless and common aesthetic that’s nonetheless celebrated at this time. The Rolex Datejust additionally made the historical past books for being the world’s first self-winding chronometer wristwatch to show the date of the month by means of a window on the dial, and this has not modified regardless of remaining in manufacturing for greater than three quarters of a century.
For those who’re questioning, ‘How good is the Rolex Datejust watch?’ all you must know is that it modified watchmaking eternally. As we speak, we take this know-how as a right, because the overwhelming majority of date-displaying watches depict their calendar shows this fashion. Nonetheless, not solely was this development for the Datejust actually revolutionary, but it surely set a normal for watchmaking that also stands at this time.
To create this new, historic timepiece, Rolex mixed two of their greatest improvements: the waterproof Oyster case (invented in 1926) and the self-winding Perpetual motion (invented in 1931). The latest additions had been the date show on the dial and the aptly named Jubilee bracelet, which was designed particularly for the Datejust and characterised by its five-link building consisting of semi-circular hyperlinks. The very first Rolex Datejust to be launched was crafted solely in yellow gold and featured a 36mm case topped with a coin-edge fluted bezel.
Rolex continued to switch the Datejust over the following a number of years and added particulars which have now develop into important to the watch’s design, such because the bubble-like Cyclops lens that was connected to the outside of the crystal to enlarge the date show. Under, you may see among the different greatest developments to happen throughout the Datejust assortment over time.
Rolex Datejust Timeline
1945 – Rolex unveils the Datejust to have a good time the model’s 40th anniversary.
1953 – Rolex provides Cyclops lens above the date window.
1954 – Datejust “Flip-O-Graph” launched with a rotating bezel.
1957 – Rolex modifies the Datejust to incorporate instantaneous date change; Woman-Datejust launched.
1960s – Midsize Datejust launched.
1977 – Oysterquartz Datejust launched.
2009 – Datejust II with a 41mm case launched.
2015 – Woman-Datejust 28 replaces Woman-Datejust 26.
2016 – Datejust 41 replaces Datejust II.
The Interesting Number of the Datejust
Whereas the very first Rolex Datejust was solely obtainable in yellow gold, the mannequin is now Rolex’s most various assortment of watches. From dimension to alloy and bezel/dial choices, Datejust watches provide a big choice of totally different aesthetic kinds. To many, the power to have so many choices makes the Datejust among the finest watches presently obtainable.
Datejust Dimension Choices
The unique Datejust dimension of 36mm is the model’s most conventional sizing and a favourite amongst many collectors. As we speak, each women and men go for this dimension, because it sits comfortably and superbly on nearly any wrist. Nonetheless, over time, Rolex has expanded its choices so that everybody might put on a Datejust that matches them completely. As we speak, the 28mm Woman Datejust (the smallest dimension presently in manufacturing) is extremely widespread, as is the 41mm Rolex Datejust 41, which is a nod to the altering instances and trendy developments in direction of bigger timepieces.
– Woman-Datejust: 26mm (discontinued)
– Woman-Datejust: 28mm
– Midsize Datejust: 31mm
– Datejust 36: 36mm
– Datejust II: 41mm (discontinued)
– Datejust 41: 41mm
As we speak, there are actually 4 most important fashions of the Datejust obtainable in Rolex’s retail catalog: the midsize Datejust 31, Datejust 36, Datejust 41, and Woman-Datejust 28.
Datejust Metallic Choices
Through the years, Rolex has provided the Datejust in nearly each steel that the model makes use of. The very first Rolex Datejust was outfitted in yellow gold, but it surely may also be present in Everose (Rolex’s proprietary rose gold alloy) and even platinum (midsize and Woman-Datejust fashions solely). Nonetheless, the fan-favorite is all the time two-tone stainless-steel and gold configuration (often called Rolesor), and Rolex makes these bi-metal fashions with yellow, Everose, and white gold.
– Stainless-steel
– Yellow gold
– White gold
– Everose gold
– Yellow Rolesor (two-tone yellow gold and stainless-steel)
– White Rolesor (stainless-steel with a white gold bezel)
– Everose Rolesor (two-tone rose gold and stainless-steel)
– Platinum (restricted to Woman-Datejust and midsize Datejust fashions)
Datejust Bezel Choices
The bezel that sits on prime of the Datejust’s Oyster case can outline all the timepiece. Usually, those that desire a dressier appear and feel for his or her basic Datejust go for the standard fluted bezel, which catches the sunshine superbly and is usually provided on Rolesor and strong gold fashions. The sleek bezel is one other favourite amongst Rolex Datejust collectors, because it gives a barely extra trendy and informal total look.
– Easy
– Fluted
– Gem-set
– Engine-turned (discontinued)
– Rotating “Flip-O-Graph” (discontinued)
Datejust Bracelet Choices
Probably the most well-known bracelet related to the Datejust is the Jubilee. Launched alongside the Datejust in 1945, this anniversary version bracelet, identified for its beautiful design of 5 steel hyperlinks, is solely subtle. Nonetheless, there are additionally different bracelet choices obtainable for the Datejust, permitting patrons to discover a mannequin that completely fits their particular person fashion.
– 5-link Jubilee
– Three-link Oyster
– Three-link President (restricted to Woman-Datejust and midsize Datejust fashions)
– Leather-based straps (discontinued)
– Built-in Jubilee and Oyster (unique to Oysterquartz; discontinued)
So, how good is the Rolex Datejust?
Merely put, the Rolex Datejust is nearly as good because it will get. Extensively thought of to be the quintessential Rolex watch, the Datejust can simply be the one watch an individual owns, and it’ll by no means look misplaced, no matter whether or not they’re sporting a enterprise swimsuit or a swimsuit. With sheer performance that meets timeless and chic fashion, a contemporary or classic Datejust will look nice in your wrist each single day and simply final you a lifetime.
Whether or not your price range reaches into the tens of hundreds otherwise you solely need to make investments just a few grand, there’ll all the time be a Rolex Datejust along with your title on it, particularly when buying on the secondary market. Basic, sturdy, and about as timeless a design as you can find in all the trade, the Rolex Datejust is the watch each collector needs of their watch field.
