Rolex Datejust: A Luxury Watch that Goes Anywhere & Last for a Lifetime

The quintessential Rolex watch, the Datejust, debuted way back in 1945. However, the watch’s appeal has remained consistent and universal to date. The timepiece has not ever been outdated, or fans considered it an old-fashioned relic from another age. The Rolex Datejust is a timepiece for everyone – one that goes anywhere, with anything and also lasts a lifetime.

The Datejust has been the watch of choice for countless watch collectors, fans and buyers across the globe for many decades. The model occupies a significant position historically in luxury watchmaking as it was the first timepiece to set the standard for a calendar display wristwatch. Thus, the Datejust is a precious Rolex watch as it retains excellent value with time. This makes it a common asset to sell or serve as collateral for pawnbroking to raise extra cash.

A Quick Look at the History of the Iconic Rolex Datejust

Rolex cropped up with the Datejust in 1945 to commemorate its 40th anniversary. The new launch at that time captured all attention with its unique date-display design. It was the first-ever automatic wristwatch showcasing the date through an aperture on the dial. It was a revolutionary approach at the time that set a standard for date functionalities.

However, the Rolex Datejust integrates the brand’s two milestone innovations – the waterproof Oyster case and a self-winding perpetual movement. Rolex boosts the model’s appeal by adding a new date aperture on the dial. Furthermore, another exquisite Rolex creation debuted with the Datejust – the five-link Jubilee bracelet.

Rolex crafted the first Datejust in yellow gold entirely. However, it featured a 36mm case and a fluted bezel. Over the next few years, the watchmaker refined and upgraded the collection adding features that are now must-haves in watches. Take, for example, the Cyclops lens.

The watchmaker attached this bubble-like lens to the crystal’s exterior above the date window for magnifying the date. Another exclusive model became a part of the collection in 1954 – the Datejust “Turn-O-Graph”. What makes the watch unique is its rotatable timing bezel.

Furthermore, thanks to this feature, the Datejust Turn-O-Graph became the official watch of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbird squadron. Thus, collectors commonly refer to this specific Datejust version as the “Thunderbird”.

The brand continued to produce the Datejust for men in a 36mm case diameter and Lady-Datejust in a 26mm size throughout the 20th century. Moreover, Rolex expanded the collection by including different dial designs, materials, bezel and bracelet options. Nonetheless, they maintained the signature date display at 3 o’clock side with Cyclops lens and round case.

The Rolex Datejust Collection in the 2000s

Rolex made some notable additions to the revolutionary Datejust lineup in the 2000s. The more prominent Rolex Datejust II debuted in 2008, featuring a 41mm case size. Later in 2015, the brand’s announcement of a slightly larger 28mm case Lady Datejust replacing the 26mm created a buzz among women fans.

Finally, Rolex turned up with the larger Datejust 41 replacing the Datejust II in 2016. Both the new 41mm model and the previous Datejust II featured a similar case size officially. However, the modern Datejust 41 renders more subdued design touches and packs a new generation movement.

Thus, this mainstay Rolex collection currently consists of four models – Datejust 41, Datejust 36, Datejust 31 and Lady-Datejust 28.

You might be fascinated to know that when Rolex designed the Datejust in the 1940s, the main motive was to produce a durable and precise wristwatch. People can wear it every day, all day and in any condition. You will find many watches within the brand’s catalogue with specific traits that make them suitable for an environment or sport.

However, the Datejust bears a classic, minimalistic design showing the date and time. Its aesthetic is timeless and immediately recognisable that makes it a genuine industry icon. Moreover, it is the best-selling Rolex timepiece to date.

This iconic collection has continued to impress us with its different variations for more than 70 years now. The Datejust is available in many metal options: stainless steel, white gold, yellow gold, Everose gold, Yellow/White/Everose Rolesor and platinum.

Moreover, you can choose between bezel options like smooth, fluted, engine-turned, rotatable Turn-O-Graph and even gem-set. The bracelet choices are also fascinating as you can choose based on your personality or style.