About Rolex Datejust

Rolex Datejust has been a representative Rolex watch model for about 75 years. It is the most varied collection of Rolex, with a hefty range of styles and sizes available for both men and women. Thanks to the iconic design of Datejust, it’s always a quickly recognizable Rolex collection, despite design and material variations.

Here’s everything you should know about Rolex Datejust before you purchase one.

Evolution of the Rolex Datejust

The Rolex Datejust is the simple yet brilliant Rolex collection. This classic collection is one of the earliest introduced models of Rolex. Arguably the collection just like others has undergone a few improvements and changes in its design, sizes, and functions.

Rolex introduced the Datejust in 1945 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the brand. The brand brought innovations, i.e., Perpetual movement and Oyster case, together with date indication in the Datejust collection.

The collection also made history as the first automatic chronometer watch to display the date through a window on its dial. Within years of its intro, Rolex improved the collection in a few ways.

Historical changes made to Rolex Datejust over time

Here is the historical timeline of the Rolex Datejust:

• In 1953, Rolex affixed Cyclops magnifications lens to the crystal's exterior to make the window more legible. The Turn-O-Graph bezel was introduced the same year.
• The date mechanism was updated in 1955 to switch the next day instantly at midnight.
• Rolex equipped its collection with Caliber 1065 in 1957 and a flattening case back.
• The brand introduced its Lady-Datejust in 1957 for women.
• In 1977, Rolex added the functionality of quickset in the Datejust collection along with Oyster quartz Datejust introduction.
• Rolex updated the collection with Caliber 3135 and sapphire crystal in 1988.
• Datejust II was introduced in 2009, featuring a 41mm case.

The Datejust II expanded the collection with new material options, style variations, and sizes.

Popular Rolex Datejust Models

The Rolex Datejust isn't just one watch. It's a collection of multiple popular models. Although some these are no longer in production they are still being bought and resold due to the popularity.

• Rolex Datejust 36 is the longest running Datejust model that has undergone multiple changes throughout its history. Its production started between the 1940s to present. Popular reference numbers are 4xxx, 5xxx, 6xxx, 16xx, 160xx, 170xx, 162xx, 1162xx, and 1262xx.
• Lady-Datejust released in 1957 approx. All the Lady-Datejust watches feature a quick date mechanism and Cyclops lens. Most lady's Datejust models contain 26mm cases.
• Datejust 31, aka mid-sized Datejust, that’s a part of the catalog as long as Lady Datejust. References of this model are from the early-1970s, while 278xxx are the most recent references having redesigned case lugs and sides.

Rolex Datejust Features

Let’s explore more about key features of Rolex Datejust below:

Materials

The Rolex Datejust collection is available in vast materials range. 18k and Oystersteel are the leading material options in the Datejust collection. The Rolex Datejust collection also features a yellow gold and steel combination called the Rolesor.

Datejust watches have three different Rolesor varieties, including Everose Rolesor, Yellow Rolesor, and White Rolesor, based on the gold color used in its construction.

Bezel

As far as Datejust icons go, you can never go wrong with any new or old model. Datejust collection features different bezel types, including:

• Fluted
• Diamond
• Smooth
• Turn O-graph
• Engine Tune
• Barked

Fluted bezels are generally key to classic appearance in Datejust models. Watches with smooth, gem-set, and engine-turned models also serve different tasks on timeless classic models.

Bracelets

Regarding the bracelet designs of Rolex Datejust, the Oyster bracelet is familiar with this collection's universal bracelet design. It is mainly because the Oyster bracelet is available for almost every Datejust watch Rolex is currently manufacturing. The Oyster bracelet of the Datejust collection features three-piece flat links which are fitted on standard Oysterclasp.

The other option is the Jubilee bracelet which was originally designed for the collection's introduction only. However, due to popularity it remained an option for the classic and current collection with date displays. The Jubilee bracelet has a seamless appearance to all the metal bracelets with its 5-piece rounded link designs tailored with concealed Crownclasp.

Dial

Rolex Datejust dials have been produced with an amazing variety of colors and designs. However, not every dial style is available for every Datejust model. Dial options are available based on the metal, and size of the watch.

You can also find Datejust dials in various finishes and textures. From sundust and classic sunburst dials to dials with more elaborate and opulent designs for example:

• Malachite
• Meteorite
• Mother of pearl

The dials have different hour markers styles such as:

• Roman numerals
• Arabic
• Diamonds
• Index

No other collection of Rolex has a more diverse dials assortment available than Datejust.

Rolex Datejust Sizes

Since the inception of Rolex Datejust, the collection has been created in various size options. The key sizes of Datejust models include 26mm, 28mm, 31mm, 34mm, 36mm, and 41mm.

Most importantly, all these Rolex Datejust sizes are still available in the modern catalog of the collection except 26mm. Rolex discontinued the manufacturing of Lady Datejust 26mm to favor its 28mm model.

The Datejust collection has been manufactured in various sizes, dial assortment, and material selection. Therefore, no other collection of Rolex can offer you the same level of options.

Celebrities Wearing The Rolex Datejust

Rolex Datejust is an iconic and classic watch collection that has been spotted regularly on celebrities wrists. For instance, multiple photographs proved that Martin Luther King also owned a Rolex Datejust. The president of the United States Ronald Reagan has also seen wearing Rolex Datejust multiple times. Similarly, Paul Newman also wore Rolex Datejust while playing his Oscar-winning role. The list of other celebrities wearing the Rolex Datejust includes:

• Michael Jordan
• Gabine Muguruza
• Christian Bale
• Annika Sorenstam
• Bret Easton Ellis
• Bill Murray
• Angelique Kerber
• Hans Wilsdorf
• Rod Laver
• Roger Federer, and many others.

Overall the Rolex Datejust is one of the classic yet popular Rolex collections with a huge audience. The immense audience of the collection is mainly because Datejust has something to offer for anyone.

Buy A Rolex Datejust Today

If you're looking to purchase a Rolex Datejust, please don't hesitate to give us a call at (213) 302-4400, so that we may further assist you in your watch purchase. WatchGuys has years of experience and can help you through the buying experience.

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