Rolex Datejust Jubilee

Buying Advice

About Jubilee Bracelet Rolex Datejust Watches

The Jubilee bracelet is the bracelet that defines the Datejust. Rolex designed it specifically for the Datejust in 1945 to celebrate the company's 40th anniversary, the same anniversary that launched the Datejust itself, and the bracelet's name comes from that "jubilee" celebration. The five-link construction with alternating brushed and polished finish has been Datejust DNA for 80 years and is the signature pairing for the model. Pre-owned and unworn Jubilee Datejust watches at WatchGuys span the current Datejust 41 (126334, 126333, 126331, 126300), Datejust 36 (126234, 126233, 126231, 126200), and Datejust 31 (278274, 278273, 278271, 278240), plus the previous-generation 116-series, 178-series, neo-vintage 162-series, and vintage 1601/1603 references. Every Jubilee Datejust at WatchGuys is authenticated in-house, backed by a 2-year warranty, and ships overnight. Prices typically range from $5,500 to $25,000+.

The Jubilee is the dressier of the two main Datejust bracelet options. Where the Oyster bracelet reads sportier and more utilitarian with its three-link design, the Jubilee's five-link construction creates a more refined, jewelry-like presence on the wrist. The smaller, more numerous links also drape more fluidly than the larger Oyster links, which many wearers find more comfortable for all-day wear. For the broader Datejust overview, see our Rolex Datejust hub or the complete Rolex Datejust Buying Guide.

A Brief History of the Rolex Jubilee Bracelet

The Jubilee bracelet was not adapted to the Datejust. It was designed specifically for the Datejust, in the same year, by the same anniversary impulse. In 1945, Rolex turned 40, and the company marked the occasion with two milestones: the launch of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust (the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch with a date window) and the introduction of the bracelet built to accompany it. Both took the name "Jubilee" from the anniversary. The Jubilee was also the first Rolex bracelet manufactured in-house; before then, Rolex had outsourced bracelet production to specialist suppliers. The original 1945 Jubilee was solid 18k yellow gold with hollow folded links and an exposed flat clasp featuring the Rolex coronet. Over the following decades the design refined: oval links in the 1950s, D-shaped links in the 1960s, and finally solid links in the early 2000s. The five-link visual signature has remained constant for 80 years.

Jubilee Five-Link Construction

The Jubilee uses five rows of links arranged across the width of the bracelet. Three smaller, narrower links run down the center, flanked by two larger links on each outer edge. The outer links have a brushed (satin) finish while the three center links are mirror-polished, creating an alternating finish that catches and refracts light from multiple angles. The result is a bracelet that reads as fine jewelry rather than as a watch strap. The smaller link size also gives the Jubilee notably better articulation than the three-link Oyster bracelet; it conforms to the wrist with less rigidity and is generally considered more comfortable for daily wear, particularly on smaller wrists. Modern Jubilee bracelets use solid links throughout (introduced in the early 2000s), eliminating the link-stretch issue that affected earlier folded-link versions. Rolex offers the Jubilee for the Datejust in Oystersteel, all three Rolesor types (Yellow, White, Everose), and occasionally in solid 18k gold.

Jubilee vs Oyster Bracelet on the Datejust

The Datejust is one of the few Rolex models offered with both Jubilee and Oyster bracelets, making the bracelet choice one of the most important Datejust buyer decisions. The Jubilee is the dressier, more historically Datejust-correct option with five smaller links; the Oyster is the sportier, more utilitarian option with three larger links. The Jubilee pairs naturally with the fluted bezel and formal dial colors; the Oyster pairs naturally with the smooth bezel and sportier dial colors. The Jubilee is generally considered slightly more comfortable due to better wrist articulation, though some wearers prefer the more substantial feel of the Oyster's larger links. At retail, the Jubilee typically commands a $200 to $400 premium over the Oyster on the same reference; on the secondary market the spread is similar or slightly wider. For a complete side-by-side comparison, see our Oyster vs Jubilee bracelet guide.

Crownclasp vs Oysterclasp

Rolex offers two clasp options on the Jubilee bracelet, each with different aesthetic and functional characteristics. The concealed Crownclasp is the more traditional and dressier option, hidden beneath two of the bracelet links so the Jubilee's five-link pattern flows uninterrupted around the wrist. The Crownclasp opens via a small lever shaped like the Rolex coronet on one of the links. The Oysterclasp is the more modern and visible option, a folding clasp branded with the Rolex coronet that includes the Easylink comfort extension (a small fold-out link that adds approximately 5mm to the bracelet length for hot-day fit adjustment). Current production Datejust Jubilee bracelets use the Oysterclasp with Easylink. Earlier reference generations (16234, 116234, 16233, 116233) used the concealed Crownclasp. The Crownclasp is generally preferred by buyers who prioritize the traditional clean-link aesthetic; the Oysterclasp is preferred by buyers who want the practical Easylink adjustment.

Jubilee Datejust by Case Size

Jubilee bracelet Datejusts are available across all three primary case sizes. In the Datejust 41, every current reference (126334, 126333, 126331, 126300) and previous-generation Datejust II reference (116334, 116333, 116331, 116300) is offered with both Jubilee and Oyster bracelet options. In the Datejust 36, the same dual-bracelet availability applies to the current 126234, 126233, 126231, 126200, the previous 116234, 116233, 116231, 116200, and earlier 162-series. In the Datejust 31, current 278-series and previous 178-series references all offer Jubilee. Because the Jubilee has been the bracelet that most strongly associates with the Datejust historically, the Jubilee bracelet is the bestselling configuration in the 36mm size and remains the more popular choice in the 31mm and 41mm sizes for buyers who want the classic Datejust aesthetic.

Jubilee Datejust Reference Families

Reference numbers do not encode bracelet type, since most Datejust references are offered with both Jubilee and Oyster options. Buyers identify the bracelet from the product description rather than the reference number. The current 126/278-series Jubilee bracelets use the Oysterclasp with Easylink. The previous 116-series (Datejust II 41mm 2009-2016, Datejust 36 mid-2000s through 2018, Datejust 31 2009-2018) used the concealed Crownclasp. The neo-vintage 162-series Jubilee bracelets from the 1990s through 2006 used earlier-generation Crownclasps with hollow or D-shaped links. Vintage 1601 and 1603 Jubilee bracelets from the 1960s-1980s use folded links and earlier clasp designs; these are common authentication checkpoints when buying vintage Datejusts because original-period correct bracelets command premiums over later replacement bracelets. Two-tone Yellow Rolesor and Everose Rolesor Jubilee bracelets retain the same five-link visual signature with the larger outer links in steel and the three center links in gold.

Jubilee Datejust Price

Pre-owned Jubilee Datejust prices vary by reference, size, material, dial, and condition. Vintage 1601/1603 examples in 18k yellow gold typically trade $5,500 to $9,000. Neo-vintage 16234 (steel + WG fluted, Jubilee) generally runs $6,500 to $9,500 and 16233 (Yellow Rolesor, Jubilee) from $6,000 to $9,000. Previous-generation 116234 (steel + WG fluted 36mm) typically trades $9,000 to $13,000 and 116334 (Datejust II 41mm) from $9,000 to $13,000. Current 126234 (steel + WG fluted 36mm) generally runs $11,000 to $15,000+ and 126334 (steel + WG fluted 41mm) from $13,000 to $19,500+, with the Wimbledon dial extending the upper end. Two-tone Jubilee references trade higher: 126233 (Yellow Rolesor 36mm) generally $14,000 to $18,000 and 126333 (Yellow Rolesor 41mm) from $14,000 to $21,000+; 126231 and 126331 (Everose Rolesor) typically $13,000 to $20,000+. Smooth bezel Jubilee references (126300, 126200) trade $2,000 to $3,000 below the equivalent fluted bezel reference. The Jubilee bracelet typically commands a $200 to $400 premium over the Oyster bracelet on the same reference.

Most Popular Jubilee Datejust Configurations

The single most popular Jubilee Datejust is the 126334 in steel + 18k white gold (White Rolesor) with the Wimbledon dial on the Jubilee bracelet. This configuration combines the most current Datejust 41 reference with the most distinctive dial and the bracelet that historically defines the Datejust. For the dedicated Wimbledon collection, see our Rolex Wimbledon page; the Wimbledon dial is most demanded specifically on Jubilee bracelet variants. The 126234 with Wimbledon dial in the 36mm size is the equivalent benchmark configuration. Among two-tone Jubilee references, the 126333 with champagne dial is the iconic Yellow Rolesor configuration, and the 126331 with chocolate or sundust dial is the Everose Rolesor counterpart, both on Jubilee. The 126200 and 126300 with various dial colors on Jubilee are the popular smooth-bezel value entries. The 126234 with mint green sunburst, blue, or white Roman dials on Jubilee are also among the strongest current configurations.

Trusted Dealer

Why Buy a Jubilee Datejust From WatchGuys

Pre-owned Jubilee bracelet Rolex Datejust watches for sale at WatchGuys are authenticated in-house, accurately described, and protected by the policies below. Whether you are buying a vintage 1601 with original folded-link Jubilee, a neo-vintage 16234 with D-shape Jubilee, a current 126234 or 126334 with solid-link Jubilee and Oysterclasp, or a two-tone 126233/126333/126231/126331, every Jubilee Datejust ships with the same standards. We verify period-correct bracelet construction on vintage examples and confirm clasp authenticity on modern references.

Common Questions

Jubilee Rolex Datejust FAQ

• What is the Rolex Jubilee bracelet?

  The Rolex Jubilee bracelet is a five-link metal bracelet designed specifically for the Datejust in 1945. It uses three smaller polished center links flanked by two larger brushed outer links per row, creating an alternating finish that catches light and reads as fine jewelry rather than a watch strap. The Jubilee has been the signature Datejust bracelet for 80 years and is also offered on the GMT-Master II and Sky-Dweller. It is available in Oystersteel, Yellow Rolesor, White Rolesor, Everose Rolesor, and occasionally in solid 18k gold. Compared to the three-link Oyster bracelet, the Jubilee is dressier, slightly more comfortable due to better wrist articulation, and more visually intricate.

• When was the Jubilee bracelet introduced?

  The Jubilee bracelet was introduced in 1945 specifically for the launch of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust. Both the Datejust and the Jubilee bracelet were created to celebrate Rolex's 40th anniversary, hence the name "Jubilee" from the anniversary celebration. The original 1945 Jubilee was solid 18k yellow gold with hollow folded links and an exposed flat clasp featuring the Rolex coronet. The Jubilee was also the first Rolex bracelet manufactured in-house; before then, Rolex had outsourced bracelet production to specialist suppliers. The bracelet has remained in continuous production since 1945, making it one of the longest-running bracelet designs in the modern watch industry.

• What is the difference between Jubilee and Oyster bracelet on a Rolex Datejust?

  The Jubilee is a five-link bracelet with three smaller polished center links flanked by two larger brushed outer links. The Oyster is a three-link bracelet with three larger flat links across the full width. The Jubilee reads dressier and more elegant; the Oyster reads sportier and more utilitarian. The Jubilee pairs naturally with the fluted bezel; the Oyster pairs naturally with the smooth bezel. The Jubilee is generally considered slightly more comfortable due to better wrist articulation; the Oyster has a more substantial feel. At retail and on the secondary market, the Jubilee typically commands a $200 to $400 premium over the Oyster on the same reference. For a complete side-by-side comparison, see our Oyster vs Jubilee bracelet guide.

• What is the difference between Crownclasp and Oysterclasp on a Jubilee?

  Both are clasp options Rolex offers on the Jubilee bracelet. The Crownclasp is concealed beneath two of the bracelet links, allowing the five-link pattern to flow uninterrupted around the wrist; it opens via a small lever shaped like the Rolex coronet. The Oysterclasp is a folding clasp branded with the Rolex coronet, more visible than the Crownclasp, and includes the Easylink comfort extension that adds approximately 5mm to the bracelet length for hot-day adjustment. Current production Datejust Jubilee bracelets use the Oysterclasp with Easylink. Earlier 116-series and neo-vintage 162-series references used the Crownclasp. The Crownclasp is preferred for traditional aesthetics; the Oysterclasp is preferred for practical adjustability.

• Which Rolex Datejust references have a Jubilee bracelet?

  The Jubilee bracelet is offered as a factory option on every modern Datejust reference. Current Datejust 41 references (126334, 126333, 126331, 126300) all offer Jubilee, as do all current Datejust 36 references (126234, 126233, 126231, 126200) and Datejust 31 references (278274, 278273, 278271, 278240). Previous-generation Datejust II 116-series, Datejust 36 116-series, and Datejust 31 178-series all offered Jubilee. Earlier 162-series neo-vintage references and vintage 1601, 1603, 16013, 16014 references also feature Jubilee bracelets, often as the original factory bracelet. Reference numbers do not encode bracelet type because most Datejust references can be configured with either Jubilee or Oyster.

• Is the Jubilee bracelet more expensive than the Oyster?

  Yes, slightly. At retail, Rolex prices the Jubilee approximately $200 to $400 above the equivalent Oyster bracelet configuration. On the secondary market, the spread is similar and sometimes slightly wider, particularly for the steel + white gold fluted bezel 126234 and 126334 references where the Jubilee is the more historically-correct Datejust pairing. The price differential reflects the more complex five-link construction of the Jubilee versus the simpler three-link Oyster. For collectors, Jubilee-equipped Datejusts often hold value slightly better than Oyster-equipped equivalents in the same reference, particularly with the Wimbledon, champagne, and chocolate dial configurations that pair most strongly with the Jubilee aesthetic.

• Is the Jubilee bracelet comfortable?

  Yes. The Jubilee bracelet is generally considered slightly more comfortable than the Oyster bracelet on the same Datejust reference, primarily because the smaller, more numerous links provide better wrist articulation. The bracelet drapes more fluidly around the wrist and has less rigid feel than the Oyster's larger links. This is particularly noticeable on smaller wrists and during all-day wear. The modern Oysterclasp with Easylink comfort extension also adds practical comfort by allowing approximately 5mm of length adjustment for hot-day swelling. Earlier folded-link Jubilee bracelets (vintage and neo-vintage references) had some link stretch over time, but modern solid-link construction (introduced in the early 2000s) has eliminated that issue.

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